A professor of history and African American studies at Georgetown University, Chatelain follows her study of Black girlhood in Great Migration Chicago, South Side Girls, with this groundbreaking history of the role of fast food restaurants in Black communities. Now blamed for numerous health issues, fast food in the late 1960s was seen as an economic answer to racial inequality. As federal programs in the Johnson and Nixon administrations de-emphasized social welfare, they promoted franchising as a way for Black citizens to improve the quality of life in their own neighborhoods. Drawing on extensive research, Chatelain traces the cooperation among fast food companies, civil rights leaders, and Black capitalists to bring about Black wealth.

This event is free to attend with no reservation required. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.