To Understand Race in America by Sue Kiefer Hammersmith, Bob-e Simpson Epps

This book gives readers the context they need to understand America’s racial system and how it affects all Americans today. It explores the hidden history of race and white supremacy in the USA. It covers the creation of a mythological “White race” in North America; the complex array of policies, programs, and decisions that promoted white supremacy across the whole USA; and the impact of America’s racial system on all Americans – “Whites” as well as “Others.”

The book sheds new light on the legacy of white supremacy in mainstream American culture and in key institutions such as education, housing, government, and health care. It opens the door to understanding the conflicting narratives that divide Americans today and building bridges for a better tomorrow. The authors are a biracial team of activist scholars (one African American, one White). They share personal and family stories that illustrate their very different experiences growing up in America. They also include the stories and legacies of America’s diverse populations whose courage, cultures, and contributions are too often neglected in American education. The volume is well-researched, drawing on scholarship from a variety of fields, yet engaging and accessible.

The book is for educators, activists, and the general public — anyone seeking a better understanding of a multicultural America. It includes discussion questions, a glossary, rich visuals, and references for further exploration. It will be an invaluable resource for undergraduate courses in American history, American studies, sociology, education, human services, or public administration, as well as for curious Americans who want to understand today’s culture wars, political divisions, and how to build bridges across differences in their communities or workplaces.