Black and Multiracial Politics in America

Front matter

Black and Multiracial Politics in America Black and Multiracial Politics in America e d i t e d b y Yvette M. Alex-Assensoh and Lawrence J. Hanks a New York University Press n e w y o r k a n d l o n d o n n e w y o r k u n i v e r s i t y p r e s s New York and London© 2000 by New York University All rights reserved Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Black and multiracial politics in America / edited by Yvette M. Alex-Assensoh and Lawrence J. Hanks. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-8147-0663-0 (pbk. : alk. paper) — ISBN 0-8147-0662-2 (cloth : alk. paper) 1. Afro-Americans—Politics and government. 2. Minorities— United States—Political activity. 3. Immigrants—United States— Political activity. 4. United States—Race relations—Political aspects. 5. United States—Ethnic relations—Political aspects. 6. Group identity—Political aspects—United States. 7. United States—Politics and government—1989– I. Alex-Assensoh, Yvette M. II. Hanks, Lawrence J., 1954– III. Title. E185.615 .B537 2000 305.896'073—dc21 00-009692 New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials are chosen for strength and durability. Manufactured in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 To the men in my life: In loving memory of my father, the Reverend Livingston Alex (1928–1998), and to my younger son, Livingston Alex Kwabena Assensoh, my older son, Kwadwo Assensoh, and my sweetheart, A. B. Assensoh. —Yvette M. Alex-Assensoh To my mother, Kathleen Williams Hanks, and my foremothers , my first teacher, and, for continuing to inspire me, also: Clara Mays Williams (maternal grandmother); Susie Nikerson Mays (maternal great grandmother); Grandma Mattie (maternal great-grandmother); Versie Turner Hanks (paternal grandmother); Frances Hanks (paternal great grandmother); Sara Rivers Turner (paternal great-grandmother ); Celia Rivers (paternal great-great-grandmother; and Hannah Turner (paternal great-grandmother). —Lawrence J. Hanks ...