The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share - Hardcover

by Darren Walker (Author)

Darren Walker has lived the promise of America.

Born to a single mother in a Louisiana charity hospital, the pride of Head Start and public schools in rural East Texas, Walker serves today as the tenth President of the Ford Foundation, among the largest private foundations in the United States. Since 2013, he has overseen more than $7 billion in grantmaking, while transforming philanthropy and inspiring conversations about and commitments to democratic values and institutions around the world. As Walker writes, "I have lived on both sides of American inequality. And I know, all too personally, that the distance between the two has never been greater."

In The Idea of America: Reflections on Inequality, Democracy, and the Values We Share, Walker argues that we can narrow our widening divides by rediscovering our common aspirations and common good. With an original foreword by President William Jefferson Clinton, this prescient, timely compendium introduces us to an essential leader of and for our moment--in his own words--through his most essential reflections, essays, and speeches.

Across 97 selected pieces, many published here for the first time, Walker shares from his:

• Uniquely American story and extraordinary life's journey
• Bold leadership of the Ford Foundation, whose efforts and assets he marshaled to uproot inequalities of all kinds
• Audacious vision for a philanthropy that prioritizes justice beyond generosity--and that practices a new Gospel of Wealth for our new gilded age
• Lifelong passion for arts and culture, wellsprings of empathy and of social change
• Trailblazing advocacy for a more democratic capitalism, which ensures that where markets lead, justice follows
• Urgent reaffirmation of America's enduring promise--that from many, we are one, and that all deserve dignity, fairness, and opportunity

Ultimately, Walker calls for courageous, moral leadership from us all--challenging us to step back from the extremes, to lean into nuance and complexity, and to build longer bridges.

"Hope," Walker affirms, "is the oxygen of democracy." The Idea of America gives powerful testimony to all that is possible "if we renew our fidelity to the values that bind us, both despite and because of our differences."

Front Jacket

"I have lived on both sides of American inequality. And I know, all too personally, that the distance between the two has never been greater."

DARREN WALKER EMBODIES THE PROMISE OF AMERICA. Born to a single mother in a Louisiana charity hospital, the pride of Head Start and public schools in rural East Texas, Walker serves today as the tenth president of the Ford Foundation, established in 1936 and endowed with more than $16 billion in assets.

In The Idea of America, Walker argues powerfully that we can narrow our widening divides--and make possible more American journeys like his--by rediscovering our common values and common good. With an original Foreword by President Bill Clinton, this prescient, timely compendium introduces us to an essential leader of and for our moment--in his own words--through his most essential reflections, essays, and speeches.

Across 97 selections, Walker shares his urgent reaffirmation of the enduring American project--that out of many, we are one; that all deserve dignity, fairness, and opportunity. He also calls for courageous, moral leadership--challenging us to step back from the extremes, to lean into nuance and complexity, and to build longer bridges.

"Hope," Walker affirms, "is the oxygen of democracy." And in this collection, Walker gives testimony to all that is possible "if we renew our fidelity to the values that bind us, both despite and because of our differences."

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR THE IDEA OF AMERICA

"Darren Walker is driven by a deep conviction that the idea of America can be realized if we work together--and his book will make believers out of readers, too. It beautifully captures the spirit of optimism, creativity, and compassion that has made him one of the most influential leaders of the 21st century."
--MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

"Darren Walker reaches into the marrow of who we are now--and who we might still become. Through a stunning chronicle of his life and learnings, Darren shares his vision, while reminding us that justice and dignity are not merely ideals of the past, but tasks of the present. In this beautiful book, Darren Walker's unshakable purpose becomes our rallying call."
--AVA DUVERNAY

"Darren Walker is a singular leader and a unique historical figure, and this collection is both a deeply moving record of his theory and practice of philanthropy, as well as an invaluable resource for those seeking inspiration in these challenging times, eager to build on his legacy by imagining and pursuing a more just and hopeful future."
--HENRY LOUIS GATES, JR.

Back Jacket

PRAISE FOR THE IDEA OF AMERICA

"Darren Walker summons us, on the 250th anniversary of our founding, to remember our higher calling."
--WALTER ISAACSON

"Darren Walker's collection of reflections, essays, and speeches is a testimony from one of philanthropy's most powerful voices. It explores how rediscovering our common principles can illuminate a united path forward, at a time when we need it most."
--AMAL CLOONEY & GEORGE CLOONEY

Author Biography

DARREN WALKER is president of the Ford Foundation, among the largest and most influential philanthropic institutions in the world. Since 2013, Darren has overseen more than $7 billion in grantmaking, while transforming the foundation, philanthropy, and promoting democratic values in the United States and around the globe. TIME has recognized him among their 100 Most Influential People and he has received twenty honorary degrees.