Full Description
In Racial Realism and the History of Black People in America, Lori Latrice Martin demonstrates how racial realism is a key concept for understanding why and how black people continue to live between a cycle of optimism and disappointment in the United States. Central to her argument is Derrick Bell's work on racial realism, who argued that the subordination of black people in America is permanent. Racial Realism includes historical topics, such as Reconstruction, race in the 20th century, and recent events like #BlackLivesMatter, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the killing of George Floyd. As the author lays out, at various times in American history, black people felt a sense of hopefulness and optimism that America would finally extend treasured American values to them only to find themselves marginalized. History shows that black people have had their expectations raised so many times only to find themselves deeply disappointed.
Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter One: The Genius of Derrick Bell: Racial Realism
Chapter Two: 40 Acres and a Mule and Other Missed Opportunities
Chapter Three: The Myth of the Greatest Generation
Chapter Four: (Un) Civil Rights and Black Power
Chapter Five: Promises Unfulfilled: Black Lives Matter Chatter
Conclusion
References
