Racial Dynamics in the American Political Context, and US Anniversaries in Civil Rights Politics

Abstract

This lecture explores contemporary factors shaping electoral, partisan and policy developments. After late 20th century civil rights reform, and the growing political incorporation of African Americans into electoral politics, social and political scientists tracked the gradual rise in African American political participation, the increasing numbers of elected officials of color, and perhaps most remarkably, the election in 2008 and 2012 of Barack Obama to the Presidency. Donald Trump's unexpected election in 2016 challenged that framing of the development of successful racial reform. The 150th Anniversary of the 15th Amendment, and the 50th Anniversary of Civil and Voting Rights legislation, offer an opportunity for reflection. This address, delivered after January 2021's Three Wednesdays: the January 6th Insurrection on the Capitol, the second Trump Impeachment and the Biden Inauguration, considers our options and where the nation heads from here in the 21st century.