Integrating Municipal Workforces: A Comparative Study of Six Southern Cities

Abstract

Black penetration of the municipal workforces of six southern cities-Atlanta, Augusta, Birmingham, Columbia, Macon, and Savannah-is examined for the purpose of highlighting the factors either favoring or impeding integration. Also examined is the relative importance of local andfederal actors in changing once segregated hiring patterns. Information was obtained through a series of interviews in each city with relevant participants. Results show that local factors are generally predominant in influencing black hiring (e.g., a black mayor, a white mayor dependent on black electoral support, a permeable personnel structure). However, federal intervention in individual discrimination suits has had a strong effect in certain cities, particularly where suits resulted in consent decrees setting targets for minority hires.