ABSTRACT
Since 1974, the Ford organization has been the most powerful black political force in Memphis, Tennessee. Its members have included Memphis City Councilman Joe Ford, Shelby County Commissioner James Ford, Tennessee Senator John Ford, former Tennessee Representative Emmitt Ford, former US Representative Harold E. Ford, Sr., and current US Representative Harold E. Ford, Jr. This chapter provides an assessment of how the Fords gained their influence in Memphis politics. It examines former Congressman Harold Ford, Sr.'s endorsements in Memphis mayoral elections. The chapter determines the impact of his endorsements by examining: whether they lead to an increase in black voter turnout; whether candidates who receive endorsements garner higher percentages of the black vote; and whether these candidates receive lower percentages of the white vote. It discusses the relationship that black citizens have traditionally had with political machines.
