The Color of Power is a fascinating examination of the
changing politics of race in Oakland, California. Oakland has been at the forefront of
California's multicultural changes for decades. Since the 1960s, the city has been a shining
example of a fruitful liberal black-and-white political partnership and the successful
incorporation of black politicians into the political landscape. But over the past forty years, the
balance of power has changed as a consequence of dramatic demographic trends and economic
circumstances. The city's formerly dominant biracial political machine has been challenged by
the demands of new multiracial interests.The city, once
governed by a succession of black mayors and majority black city councils, must now accommodate
rapidly growing Asian and Latino communities. While the black-led coalition still relies on
white progressive support, this alliance has weakened due to a shift in the progressives'
agenda and the voting habits of the black community, the rise of a Hispanic-Asian coalition, and
a strong demographic decline of the African American population. With similar demographic changes
taking place across the nation, Oakland's experience provides insight in to the multiracial
future of other American cities. The Color of
Power investigates Oakland's contemporary racial politics with a detailed study of
conflicts over issues like education, elections and political representation, and crime. Trained as
a journalist, a political scientist, and a geographer, the author provides a unique perspective
supported by numerous maps and extensive interviews.Winner of awards
from the French Society of Geography and the French National Academy of
Sciences
