Dean Brown Books

In 2017, a white supremacist rally at the University of Virginia prompted reflection on the progress made since the election of the first Black president. This event, alongside the polarized nature of US politics, has reignited discussions about identity, citizenship, and acceptance in America. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean examines contemporary controversies rooted in longstanding struggles over power, access, and belonging. Utilizing intersectionality as a framework, she analyzes current tensions such as voter suppression, the Me Too movement, the Standing Rock protests, marriage equality, military service, the rise of the Religious Right, protests by professional athletes, and immigration debates to illustrate that conflicts over group identity are central to American political development. Brown-Dean addresses issues of citizenship, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, and religion, arguing that democracy in the United States is shaped by the ongoing battle of ideas regarding self-perception and perceptions of others. This work serves as a vital resource for students and engaged citizens seeking to understand the connections between historical context, contemporary political challenges, and pathways toward a stronger democracy.