Race, Schooling, and Interest Politics: The Oakland Story

Abstract

This case study traces the evolution of race and schooling issues in Oakland, California. It assesses why that school district did not opt to desegregate, as seemed likely in the 1960s. The transformation of school politics and the emergence of black leadership, in the context of a rapidly shifting population, emerge as critical factors. Oakland has defined racial justice in terms of political power and educational resources, rather than integration. The consequences of that decision--for Oakland as for other predominantly black cities--are also addressed.