White Burgers, Black Cash: Fast Food from Black Exclusion to Exploitation

“White Burgers, Black Cash is a must read for anyone interested in the politics of food, racial identity, and belonging. Naa Oyo A. Kwate weaves a narrative that dissects Black exploitation, corporations, and socioeconomic divides in communities to help us better understand the timeline of American fast food restaurants, from exclusionary whiteness to the present. You’ll see fast food well beyond its place as a basic quintessential American meal.”–Christina Greer, author of Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream

“White Burgers, Black Cash comes crashing through everything you thought you knew about fast food to land as the definitive history of how this industry has become so entrenched in Black communities. Built on a staggering body of evidence, this riveting and accessible exploration of fast food’s troubled racial transformation is necessary reading for anyone concerned about inequitable food environments. A masterpiece.”–Bryant Terry, James Beard and NAACP Image Award-winning editor of Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora

“Kwate has written a powerful book that is also enjoyable to read.”–Beyond Chron

“A thorough, compelling history of systemic racism in the fast-food industry.”–Civil Eats

“A stunning contribution to the growing literature on race and food that should be required reading for all consumers.”–Jotwell Journal

“An engaging and thoughtful history of Black exploitation, corporate greed, and socioeconomic divides.”–South Sound Magazine

“Recommended.”–CHOICE

Naa Oyo A. Kwate is a nonfiction writer and interdisciplinary scholar focused on African American urban life. She has previously served on the faculties of Columbia and Rutgers University.