Symposium

Department of African American Studies

LaQuitta M. Smith

Professor Victor Okafor, Sponsor

An Examination of African-American Political Leadership's Strategic Transition From Protest to Electoral Politics

This presentation examines African-American political leadership's strategic transition from protest politics to the institutionalized political practices of today. This transition occurred as a result of the black protest movement of the 1950s and 1960s. My presentation examines how the transition has impacted upon African-American politics, including dramatic increases in both the number of registered black voters and the number of black elected officials. The presentation also highlights certain contrasts and similarities between the African-American political experience and those of a sample of other ethnic minorities of America.

Session C - Reception Room - 12:15 p.m.~12:30 p.m.


			Department of African American Studies LaQuitta M. Smith Professor Victor Okafor, Sponsor An Examination of African-American Political Leadership's Strategic Transition From Protest to Electoral Politics This presentation examines African-American political leadership's strategic transition from protest politics to the institutionalized political practices of today. This transition occurred as a result of the black protest movement of the 1950s and 1960s. My presentation examines how the transition has impacted upon African-American politics, including dramatic increases in both the number of registered black voters and the number of black elected officials. The presentation also highlights certain contrasts and similarities between the African-American political experience and those of a sample of other ethnic minorities of America. Session C - Reception Room - 12:15 p.m.~12:30 p.m.