Marcia Chatelain is a professor of history and African American studies at Georgetown University, and is a leading public voice on the history of race, education, and food culture. The author of South Side Girls, Chatelain lives in Washington, DC.
"[A] smart and capacious history. . . . Throughout this
impressively judicious book, [Chatelain] is attuned to the
circumstances that encouraged increasingly intricate ties between
McDonald’s and black communities across the country. This isn’t
just a story of exploitation or, conversely, empowerment; it’s a
cautionary tale about relying on the private sector to provide what
the public needs, and how promises of real economic development
invariably come up short. . . . Franchise is a serious work of
history. . . . [Chatelain's] sense of perspective gives this
important book an empathetic core as well as analytical breadth, as
she draws a crucial distinction between individuals actors, who
often get subjected to so much scrutiny and second-guessing, and
larger systems, which rarely get subjected to enough."
*Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, "Times Critics Best Books of
2020"*
"An impeccably researched examination of McDonald’s and how the
franchise was once intended as a path to economic freedom in Black
communities. A fascinating, overlooked perspective on a US
institution."
*Karla Strand, Ms. Magazine*
"Well-written... Emphasizes how today’s conversations around fast
food in America were shaped by government policies, and examines
how the fast-food industry is connected to Black Lives Matter and
other social change movements.... Invaluable for those studying the
intersections of race, economics, and business in the United
States."
*Sarah Schroeder, Library Journal*
"Chatelain makes a convincing case that racial tension, the civil
rights movement, and fast food all combined to change the dynamic
of mostly black communities ignored by white power structures.
Chatelain’s impressive research and her insertion of editorial
commentary will prove educational and enlightening for readers of
all backgrounds. An eye-opening and unique history lesson."
*Kirkus Reviews*
"Franchise is a stunning story of post-1960s urban black America, a
tale of triumph and good intentions, but also of tragic
consequences for race relations, poverty, and dietary health.
Marcia Chatelain has done superb research and writes as a great
storyteller. This is an important book, showing that civil rights
successes led to burgers under black ownership as much as ballots
for social change. Chatelain makes us see black capitalism in all
its mixed blessings."
*David W. Blight, Yale University, and author of the Pulitzer
Prize-winning Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom*
"Thanks to Marcia Chatelain, I’ll never look at fast food the same
way. She pairs burgers and fries with civil rights and black
wealth, showing readers exactly what ‘opportunity’ in America
really looks like."
*Alexis Coe, author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of
George Washington*
"Marcia Chatelain uses the complex interrelationship of black
communities with McDonald’s to explore the history of American
racism and the struggle for civil rights. Franchise is an
eye-opener for anyone who cares about why diet-related chronic
disease is more prevalent in these communities and what it is
really like to be black in America."
*Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies, and public
health at New York University, emerita, and author of Food
Politics*
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
