The Black History of the White House: Expanded Edition (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780872869226)

As the federal government attempts to erase all evidence of Black Americans' civic participation and achievements from official websites, museums and even from the National Park system, this Expanded Edition brings the essential, groundbreaking title, The Black History of the White House up to date, culminating in our current, Trumpian White House era.

"Clarence Lusane is one of America's most thoughtful and critical thinkers on issues of race, class and power."--Manning Marable

The Black History of the White House presents the untold history, racial politics, and shifting significance of the White House as experienced by African Americans, from the generations of enslaved people who helped to build it or were forced to work there to its first black First Family, the Obamas, and now in the era of its second occupation by President Donald Trump.

Clarence Lusane juxtaposes significant events in White House history with the ongoing struggle for democratic, civil, and human rights by Black Americans and demonstrates that only during crises have presidents used their authority to advance racial justice. He describes how in 1901 the building was officially named the "White House" amidst a furious backlash against President Roosevelt for inviting Booker T. Washington to dinner, and how that same year that saw the consolidation of white power with the departure of the last Black Congressmember elected after the Civil War. Lusane explores how, from its construction in 1792 to its becoming the home of the first Black president, through the first Trump term and Biden's, and up to the present moment of Trump's second presidential term, the White House has been a prism through which to view the progress and struggles of Black Americans seeking full citizenship and justice.