What the Eyes Can't See : Ralph Northam, Black Resolve, and a Racial Reckoning in Virginia

Winner of the 2023 Virginia Literary Award in Nonfiction, awarded by the Library of Virginia The transformation of Governor Ralph Northam Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's "blackface scandal" could have destroyed any politician. The photo of Governor Northam purportedly in blackface created a firestorm not only locally but also in every political sphere. What the Eyes Can't See details why Northam's career did not end with the scandal, and how it made him a better governor—and a better citizen. In this book Margaret Edds draws on unprecedented access to the governor, his aides, and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, whose initial anger evolved into determination to mine good from an ugly episode. Both scolding and encouraging, they led Northam to a deeper understanding of the racism and pain the photograph symbolized. To Northam's credit, he listened, and more importantly learned the lessons of endemic, systemic racism and applied those lessons to his legislative agenda. Edds provides a revealing examination of race in the nation, how racism might be addressed and reckoned with, and how we all may find a measure of redemption in listening to one another. "The transformation of Governor Ralph Northam. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's "blackface scandal" could have destroyed any politician. The photo of Governor Northam purportedly in blackface created a firestorm not only locally but also in every political sphere. What the Eyes Can't See details why Northam's career did not end with the scandal, and how it made him a better governor-and a better citizen. In this book Margaret Edds draws on unprecedented access to the governor, his aides, and members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, whose initial anger evolved into determination to mine good from an ugly episode. Both scolding and encouraging, they led Northam to a deeper understanding of the racism and pain the photograph symbolized. To Northam's credit, he listened, and more importantly learned the lessons of endemic, systemic racism and applied those lessons to his legislative agenda. Edds provides a revealing examination of race in the nation, how racism might be addressed and reckoned with, and how we all may find a measure of redemption in listening to one another"-- Provided by publisher Cover WHAT THE EYES CAN’T SEE Title Copyright Dedication CONTENTS List of Illustrations Prologue PART I CRISIS IN BLACK AND WHITE Chapter 1. A Nightmare Unfolds Chapter 2. A Moonwalking Fiasco Chapter 3. A Fateful Decision PART II A BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE Chapter 4. Not a Quitter Chapter 5. Man in the Mirror Chapter 6. Diving into White Privilege Chapter 7. Starting the Work Chapter 8. Blackface Investigations Chapter 9. A Tragedy and Its Aftermath PART III ABOUT FACE Chapter 10. Lessons Learned Chapter 11. The Road to Richmond Chapter 12. Election Rebound Chapter 13. New Day, Old Battles Chapter 14. Democrats Rising Chapter 15. A Viral Disruption PART IV INTO THE BREACH Chapter 16. A Reckoning Chapter 17. A Summer of Rage Chapter 18. Black Voices Leading Chapter 19. Virginia Military Institute under Assault Chapter 20. The Guardrails Collapse PART V LEGACY Chapter 21. Balancing Justice Chapter 22. Lee Surrenders Chapter 23. Prescriptions for Racial Progress Chapter 24. Republicans Take Charge Chapter 25. An Ending and a Beginning Acknowledgments Notes Index