The Black Butterfly: Race and Space Politics in America

The IPPY Book Award winner for Current Events II by the Independent Publisher, The Black Butterfly is the best-selling examination of the ways in which American cities can combat racial inequity, put an end to redlining, and reverse the detrimental effects of segregation on health and wealth.

In April 2015, the world watched in shock as Baltimore erupted in response to the brutal death of Freddie Gray in police custody, with Black Lives Matter activists taking to the streets and shutting down highways. In this book, Lawrence T. Brown sheds light on the ongoing historical trauma that underlies such uprisings and crises in hypersegregated cities across the United States.

By scrutinizing Baltimore as a case study, Brown reveals how a combination of policies, practices, systems, and budgets has perpetuated racial segregation and its impact on health, from toxic pollution to police brutality. He also examines the influence of Baltimore's history on similar actions in cities like St. Louis and Cleveland, as well as the adoption of oppressive techniques from cities such as Chicago.

Despite the bleak picture painted, Brown offers a ray of hope by presenting a clear five-step plan for activists, nonprofits, and public officials to achieve racial equity and restore redlined Black neighborhoods. From municipal reparations to innovative solutions, Brown argues that since urban apartheid was intentionally erected, it can also be intentionally dismantled.

The Black Butterfly challenges readers to recognize the importance of Black neighborhoods and the lives within them, demonstrating that America cannot truly value Black lives until it acknowledges the significance of Black neighborhoods. By providing a comprehensive look at the root causes of segregation and proposing actionable solutions, The Black Butterfly urges readers to see the urgency of addressing racial inequity in American cities.

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