When did America become a "White Nation?"

This community discussion is co-sponsored by Asheville Black Lives Matter and the Friends Meeting Racial Justice Committee. Attendees should read Jacqueline Battalora's Birth of a White Nation to prepare for participation. Copies of the book are available from our co-op at a discount!

Our discussion will be facilitated by Sharon Smith of Asheville Friends Racial Justice Committee and Asheville Black Lives Matter.

Birth of a White Nation is a fascinating recent book on race in America that begins with an exploration of the moment in time when "white people," as a separate and distinct group of humanity, were invented through legislation and the enactment of laws. The book provides a thorough examination of the underlying reasons as well as the ways in which "white people" were created. It also explains how the creation of this distinction divided laborers and ultimately served the interests of the elite. The book goes on to examine how foundational law and policy in the U.S. were used to institutionalize the practice of "white people" holding positions of power. Finally, the book demonstrates how the social construction and legal enactment of "white people" has ultimately compromised the humanity of those so labeled.