Revalation Vineyards will welcome historian and author Andrew Kahrl on Thursday, October 17th, for a thought-provoking Sip & Learn talk titled “The Black Tax.” The event, beginning at 6 p.m., will examine racial inequality in local tax systems and how these practices continue to affect communities today. Kahrl will draw from his years of research on racial and economic exploitation in America to highlight these ongoing issues.
Kahrl, an expert in the history of race and inequality in U.S. housing, real estate, and tax policies, has dedicated his career to exposing the often-overlooked systems perpetuating these inequities. His talk at Revalation Vineyards will focus on how local tax structures have been historically used to target African American communities and how these patterns persist in modern society.
“I have always felt that you can learn a lot about a society by looking at how it raises and spends the public’s money (which is what taxes are),” Kahrl said. “You cannot fully grasp the effects of laws and policies without looking closely at how they are administered and enforced.” He first noticed this issue while researching his initial book, finding instances of African Americans being unfairly over-assessed by local tax officials, which led to dispossession and exploitation.
Kahrl’s presentation will highlight the systemic nature of these practices, explaining that they have long been used to deny Black Americans access to land, homes, and wealth. He will also discuss how these policies hinder racial and economic justice today, with many of the same inequities still embedded in the way local governments administer taxes. Kahrl argues that a deeper understanding of these local tax systems is crucial to addressing racial inequality in the U.S.
“After spending years studying the complex world of local tax administration, my main concern is communicating these findings to the public,” Kahrl explained. “The goal is to bring this history into today’s public policy discussions and debates.”
Dr. Andrew Kahrl’s research spans various topics concerning race, inequality, and land use in America. His books, including The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America and Free the Beaches: The Story of Ned Coll and the Battle for America’s Most Exclusive Shoreline, have brought critical attention to the intersection of race and property ownership in the U.S. Kahrl also teaches at the University of Virginia, where his courses explore themes of race, real estate, urban history, and local politics.
This event will be held in the scenic setting of Revalation Vineyards, located in the heart of Virginia wine country. Admission is free, and attendees can enjoy wine or non-alcoholic verjus, which are available for purchase as they listen to Kahrl’s engaging presentation.
Event Details:
What: Sip & Learn Talk with Andrew Kahrl on “The Black Tax”
When: Thursday, October 17th, 6 p.m.
Where: Revalation Vineyards, Madison, VA
Admission: Free, with wine and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
About Revalation Vineyards
Revalation Vineyards is a family-owned winery known for its commitment to sustainability and fostering community conversations. Nestled in Virginia’s wine country, the vineyard offers a peaceful, welcoming environment for learning and engagement, inviting visitors to enjoy local wines while participating in events that celebrate history and culture.