Feb 17 Event: Why Don’t American Cities Burn?

Why Don’t American Cities Burn?

Inequality, Poverty, and Hope for Urban America

Friday, February 17 — 12:15

American cities have remained relatively free of collective violence in recent years. Why, given record inequality and historically negative economic events, is this the case? University of Pennsylvania Professor Michael Katz explores these questions and the intersections of race, inequality and poverty in his new book, Why Don’t American Cities Burn?

One of the country’s leading urban historians, Katz has previously chronicled the evolution of the welfare state and the transformation of urban forms. He now has set out to explain the shift away from images of a pathological black “underclass” to praise of the entrepreneurial poor who work to find the beginning of the path to the middle class. Katz examines the possibility of a new narrative that acknowledges the complicated history of American cities while simultaneously demonstrating the capacity of residents, advocates and government to address many of the problems facing urban centers. Rather than waiting for a “silver bullet” to solve long-standing problems, he asks, can we create a politics of modest hope?

Join us on February 17th for a discussion with the author on how the interlocking forces of lingering racial inequality, social and economic exclusion, and urban policy have contributed to a society deeply fragmented along the lines of race and class.

This event will be live webcast on the event page starting at 12:15pm on February 17th for viewers outside the Washington area. No advance registration is necessary.

PARTICIPANTS

Featured Speaker

Michael B. Katz

Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania

Author, Why Don’t American Cities Burn?

Discussant

Devin Fergus

Assistant Professor of US History

Hunter College

Moderator

Reid Cramer

Director, Asset Building Program