What the Eyes Can't See: Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia - Hardcover

Margaret Edds (author)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1643363522 ISBN 13: 9781643363523

Publisher: The University of South Carolina Press, 2022

Synopsis

The transformation of Governor Ralph Northam

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's "blackface scandal" could have destroyed any politician. The photo of Governor Northam purportedly in blackface created a firestorm not only locally but also in every political sphere. What the Eyes Can't See details why Northam's career did not end with the scandal, and how it made him a better governor―and a better citizen.

In this book Margaret Edds draws on unprecedented access to the governor, his aides, and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, whose initial anger evolved into determination to mine good from an ugly episode. Both scolding and encouraging, they led Northam to a deeper understanding of the racism and pain the photograph symbolized. To Northam's credit, he listened, and more importantly learned the lessons of endemic, systemic racism and applied those lessons to his legislative agenda. Edds provides a revealing examination of race in the nation, how racism might be addressed and reckoned with, and how we all may find a measure of redemption in listening to one another.

About this title

About the Author

Margaret Edds is a former reporter and editorial writer for the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot. She is the author of several books, including We Face the Dawn: Oliver Hill, Spottswood Robinson, and the Legal Team That Dismantled Jim Crow; Finding Sara: A Daughter's Journey; and An Expendable Man: The Near-Execution of Earl Washington Jr.

Edition details

• Publisher: The University of South Carolina Press
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1643363522
• ISBN 13: 9781643363523
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 296