The 'Post-Racial' Effect: The Leadership of Black Mayors in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, D.C.

Abstract

The paper will be a presentation of the findings from the dissertation that explores the emergence of a new type of Black leadership that has been developing in American cities since the late 1970s. My research looks at this leadership as an increasingly deracialized form of leadership because of two factors: (1) the need to solve the problems of society as a whole (particularly in urban enclaves) and (2) the lack of consideration that Black needs may have to be addressed differently from the rest of society. As a result of these factors we are seeing Black mayors focusing on tackling middle of the road issues that will appeal to a moderate, independent, and democratic White electorate and turning their backs on a faithful voting bloc the Black lower and working class. Meanwhile, the Black middle class and others are benefiting either through influential appointments in their cabinet or other government agencies or through programs such as set-aside city contracts or affirmative action policies. My study examines the effect that this type of leadership approach is having on the lower and working class Blacks of majority and plurality Black cities as seen through the cities of Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC.