The deliberate devaluation of Black-majority cities stems from a longstanding legacy of discriminatory policies. The lack of investment in Black homes, family structures, businesses, schools, and voters has had far-reaching, negative economic and social effects. White supremacy and privilege are deeply ingrained into American public policy, and remain pervasive forces that hinder meaningful investment in Black communities.

Educator and journalist Andre Perry’s acclaimed new book Know Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America’s Cities takes readers on a tour of six Black-majority cities whose assets and strengths are undervalued. The deliberate devaluation of Blacks and their communities has had very real, far-reaching, and negative economic and social effects. An enduring white supremacist myth claims brutal conditions in Black communities are mainly the result of Black people’s collective choices and moral failings.

In this moment of crisis, grief, and uprisings, join us for a conversation between Andre Perry and Edgar Villanueva as they discuss the methods that perpetuate white supremacy in the education, housing, economic, and carceral sectors. How do they intersect and reinforce each other? What grassroots movements do we need to nurture that can fight back on these multiple fronts? What would a truly Loving City look like?

Speakers:

• Andre Perry, Fellow, Brookings Institution
• Edgar Villanueva, Senior Vice President of Programs & Advocacy, Schott Foundation for Public Education