Introduction

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part evaluates black political empowerment in light of the lack of improvements in the socioeconomic conditions of African Americans. It examines the deracialization trend in African-American politics. The part focuses on the necessity for maintaining black solidarity in America's pluralist society while eschewing the notion that deracialized campaigns represent a progressive element in African-American politics. It also focuses on the changes in law enforcement and law enforcement policy as it relates to the African-American community. The part examines the ends of the rainbow and its impact on party politics in the United States. It analyses the impact of the Jesse Jackson campaign on reshaping black attitudes and behavior and lays to rest some speculations found in the area. The part offers an assessment of elections in which African-American politicians conducted deracialized campaigns.