National Politics
African-American voting power peaked in the 1860s
Later this year, if all goes according to plan, two plaques will be erected in the Capitol commemorating a little-remembered chapter of Virginia history. The intent is to shed overdue light on a pivotal era in the Old Dominion’s tortured dealings with the legacy of slavery. The commemorative plaques approved by the 2012 General Assembly [...]
Blacks and Latinos need to work together politically
Because of redistricting and population trends, some black politicians may lose their seats to Latino challengers this year. This could lead to increased friction between the groups, so positive leadership will be necessary to limit this risk. Some historically black urban areas are now predominantly Latino. The congressional district that includes Harlem is 55 percent [...]
Numbers of black, Hispanic voters fall
The number of black and Hispanic registered voters has fallen sharply since 2008, posing a serious challenge to President Obama’s campaign in an election that could turn on the participation of minority voters. Voter rolls typically shrink in nonpresidential election years, but this is the first time in nearly four decades that the number of [...]
Fear of a Black Polity
Once the general election kicked into gear, and it was clear that Barack Obama would have the overwhelming support of African American voters, a meme picked up among some white voters. “They’re only voting for him because he’s black.” This, of course, was at odds with the facts. Black voters were initially ambivalent toward the [...]
Race politics heats up ahead of US vote
Recent incidents, including the shooting of Trayvon Martin, have revived concerns about America’s racial divide ahead of the presidential election. It was hailed as the dawn of a “post-racial America,” ushered in by the election of the first black president in a country still scarred by the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow and the battle [...]
