White Poverty

How Exposing Myths About Race and Class Can Reconstruct American Democracy

By: Reverend Dr. William Barber II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove - contributor

Narrated by: Bill Andrew Quinn

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

Cannot be antiracist without the ties that bind

In this book, William Barber provides essential corrective focus on the common cause of both Black and white people and all other categories that separate us as well—exposing the fatal error within conservative and progressive thinking alike that white and black people have fundamentally different and often opposing aspirations. Barber consistently refutes the lie that white people can never understand what others have gone through—such a canard only keeps people divided and ineffective. And Barber demonstrates throughout this book (arguably it's the main point) that poor people (and all people) of all races and backgrounds have an overwhelming amount in common.

Among the many poignant points that Barber makes is that one cannot be truly antiracist without searching for the ties that bind, while countering the forces (from all directions) that pit us against each other. This approach has practical effects that have materially changed elections from previously expected outcomes, such as in the case of the Kentucky governor's election. Barber describes how this movement is creating a Hillbilly Rhapsody rather than an Elegy—it's a song black and white people from all walks of life are singing together harmoniously.

Instead of waiting for a top-down initiative to come along, Barber illustrates how to build from the bottom—not by an insurrection but through a resurrection. One of the groups that Barber champions is Repairers of the Breach—an organization that actively works to expose and remove false differences between divided peoples, specifically poor whites and their black neighbors suffering under the same oppression even as so many additional obstacles are thrown at black people because of their race. Barber points out that race is an artificial construct (that is crumbling even today), and we cannot make white people our enemy (even for white people) if the current oppression of black people is to be stopped and corrected.

Barber demonstrates through accounts of actual events that fusion of black and white poor people is a viable and effective counter to the mystery money funding (divisive) disinformation. Although Nathaniel Bacon's famous rebellion had its motivational flaws, it demonstrated that white and black people can join together in common cause. All through this book, Barber describes our current progress toward another Reconstruction era benefiting all people—this time, let's ensure it is never rolled back.

Loaded book!

This book delivers an abundance if infirmation & is quitethought provoking as a vivid learning experience...

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.

The Rev Barber is a personal hero

Sooooo many poor people of all colors and backgrounds. The Rev Barber preaches to each of us and guides us to a better land. This is an important book!

The stories that connected white Americans to poverty.

I loved the thread of understanding the myths to the realities of addressing poverty. This book makes it clear why America desperately needs a third reconstruction.

Love in Action!

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