The Black Butterfly: The Harmful Politics of Race and Space In America"
In The Black Butterfly, Lawrence T. Brown reveals that ongoing historical trauma is at the root of crises and violence in hypersegregated cities around the country. Beginning with an analysis of the current political moment, Brown delves into how Baltimore's history influenced actions in sister cities like St. Louis and Cleveland, as well as its adoption of increasingly oppressive techniques from cities like Chicago.
Putting Baltimore under a microscope, Brown looks closely at the causes of segregation. Drawing on social science research, policy analysis, and archival materials, Brown reveals the long history of racial segregation's impact on health, from pollution to police brutality.
But there is reason to hope. Throughout the book, Brown offers a clear five-step plan for activists, nonprofits, and public officials to achieve racial equity. Not content to simply describe and decry urban problems, Brown offers up a wide range of innovative solutions to help heal and restore redlined Black neighborhoods, including municipal reparations.
Persuasively arguing that, since urban apartheid was intentionally erected, it can be intentionally dismantled, The Black Butterfly demonstrates that America cannot reflect that Black lives matter until we see how Black neighborhoods matter.
Please support these independent and Black-owned bookstores when purchasing!
- Urban Reads Bookstore (Baltimore, MD + Black-owned)
- Everyone's Place (Baltimore, MD )
- Red Emma's Bookstore (Baltimore, MD + worker's cooperative)
- Charm City Books (Baltimore, MD)
- Greedy Reads Bookstore (Baltimore, MD)
- The Ivy Shop (Baltimore, MD)
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- Turning Page Bookshop (Goose Creek, SC + black-owned)
- Solid State Books (Washington, DC)
- Pyramind Books(Boynton Beach, FL + Black-owned)
- The Seminary Co-op (Chicago, IL + noprofit cooperative)
- Tattered Cover (Denver, CO)
- Bookshop West Portal (San Francisco, CA)