FRANCHISE The Golden Arches in Black America

The author examines the fascinating relationship between franchise companies like McDonald's and black communities across the nation over the past half-century. Machelle Williams gives this rich history a straightforward narration that invites listeners to learn more about the resilience and ingenuity of black communities while also highlighting their struggles with fast food chains. Williams's tempered delivery, with its distant but compelling tone, keeps listeners' focus on Chatelain's words, but this style can sometimes backfire when she delivers heartfelt quotes. By tracing McDonald's history in black communities, Chatelain illuminates the complicated relationships, expectations, and issues that arise among corporations, local government, community leadership, and youth who have limited places to hang out or work. L.E. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2020]