“If we do not know our past and cannot trace it into the present, we are left with very problematic explanations for the conditions of inequality we see today. In her writings and presentations, Jacqueline Battalora provides us the foundational understanding of the historical
“If we do not know our past and cannot trace it into the present, we are left with very problematic explanations for the conditions of inequality we see today. In her writings and presentations, Jacqueline Battalora provides us the foundational understanding of the historical roots of white supremacy. In so doing, she offers us an essential tool for addressing racism. She is a brilliant, engaging, and insightful speaker with years of practice behind her approach. Her work is foundational.
— Robin DiAngelo, PhD, Educator and Author of White Fragility and What Does It Mean To Be White?
“Jacqueline Battalora’s presentation of “Birth of a White Nation” was engaging and very enlightening. The work you have done can only benefit those in the quest for racial equity, and our doctoral students benefited immensely from talking with such an experienced professional. Additionally, community members were surprised and excited to have so many preconceptions about racial history unpackaged, and your book and lecture have sparked discussion throughout our community.”
— Larry E. Davis, Dean, School of Social Work, Founder and Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems, University of Pittsburgh
“Professor Battalora’s presentation on how American colonial elites deliberately constructed racial definitions to “divide and conquer” whole classes of people – creating a black underclass – answers many questions as to why our nation’s institutions and systems are inherently prejudiced and racist today. Battalora’s groundbreaking research and insights remind us to study history when trying to understand and unpack the present.”
— Patrick Keenan, Esq., James B. Moran Center for Youth, Evanston IL
“Jacqueline Battolora's research breaks new ground and provides important and new information. She reveals what life was like for everyone in the British Colony that later became the United States of America; the creation of "white people" and the changes that occurred after the founding of the United States of America. She further explains how these factors contributed to and resulted in the birth of a nation designed to protect the interests of the elite and created a permanent underclass by limiting and/or denying to some rights the elite enjoyed.”
— Nancy Travis Bolden, Coordinator, Anti-Racism Ministry, Province III, The Episcopal Church
“Do you want to understand the history of the term ‘white people’ in the United States and how it has shaped our laws and identities? Read the book, Birth of A White Nation by Jacqueline Battalora. A clearly written and illuminating book.”
— Rosemary Radford Ruether, Carpenter Professor, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley CA