Institutionalizing the Struggle for Black Political Representation: the Founding of the Joint Center for Political Studies - Joint Center

Institutionalizing the Struggle for Black Political Representation: the Founding of the Joint Center for Political Studies - Joint Center

Black political representation in the United States has historically been viewed as a radical and, at times, threatening endeavor. This perception dates to Reconstruction (1865–1877) when Black men gained the right to vote and hold public office following the Civil War and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. During this period, Black elected officials emerged in unprecedented numbers at the local, state, and national levels. Nota…