White Poverty

How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy

A generational work with far-ranging social and political implications, White Poverty promises to be one of the most influential books in recent years.

One of the most pernicious and persistent myths in the United States is the association of Black skin with poverty. Though there are forty million more poor white people than Black people, most Americans, both Republicans and Democrats, continue to think of poverty—along with issues like welfare, unemployment, and food stamps—as solely a Black problem. Why is this so? What are the historical causes? And what are the political consequences that result?

These are among the questions that the Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, a leading advocate for the rights of the poor and the "closest person we have to Dr. King" (Cornel West), addresses in White Poverty, a groundbreaking work that exposes a legacy of historical myths that continue to define both white and Black people, creating in the process what might seem like an insuperable divide. Analyzing what has changed since the 1930s, when the face of American poverty was white, Barber, along with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, addresses white poverty as a hugely neglected subject that just might provide the key to mitigating racism and bringing together tens of millions of working class and impoverished Americans.

©2024 Reverend Dr. William J. Barber (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

A wider view

Open minded view of the the future and what it can be and should be.

Insightful

This was such a thought-provoking and insightful read! I felt like I was getting a history lesson while sitting at the foot of my grandmother's bed. This book should be required reading for all Americans.

Confirmation of my childhood teachings.🙎🏼‍♀️

As a child of the 60’s my mother had told me much of this, now in my senior years I’m glad to know she was correct.👍🏻

Very good

This is an excellent book that everyone should read. The author exposes the myths that keep people separated, and he explains how we can come together to change the country.

Love in Action!

Change it by voting, speaking,listening! Let’s work together as humans to raise each other up. Thank you!