The Color of Law

In this compelling history, Richard Rothstein explores how government policies, rather than individual prejudices, shaped the racially segregated landscape of American cities through de jure segregation. Drawing on extensive research, he reveals the origins of segregation starting in the 1920s and details how federal, state, and local laws created and reinforced racial divides that persist today. The book highlights the lasting impact of these policies on urban neighborhoods and suburban development, and underscores the importance of understanding this history to address ongoing racial disparities.