What happened? What follows is a brief review of some of the available evidence on what transpired on November 8, 1994, when the Republicans won a majority of seats in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as in an additional 17 state legislative bodies. In particular, this review will focus on three areas: the behavior and significance of African-American voters in the 1994 midterms elections; the changing numbers and profile of black candidates for both federal and statewide office, and their performance at the polls; and the significance of these substantial Republican gains for black legislators at both the federal and state level. Finally, after reviewing this evidence, a few observations regarding these Republican gains will be offered.

African-American voters, issues and leaders played a more pivotal role in the elections of 1992 than at any time in history.  However, the nature and contours of that participation were quite different from before, and the significance of their role in the electoral process was in many respects quite unexpected.  Despite the unforeseen twists and turns of the 1992 elections, the overall logic of the presidential campaign was strategically quite lucid, and anticipates what may be the shape of racial politics in the 19902 and beyond.

The analysis by senior research associate David Bositis examines the impact African Americans are likely to have in the November elections, with special attention to black trends in partisanship, public opinion, and voting behavior. The volume also includes listings of black Republican elected officials and black delegates and alternatives to the 2000 convention in Philadelphia.

The analysis by senior research associate David A. Bositis examines the impact African Americans are likely to have in the November elections, with special attention to black trends in partisanship, public opinion, and voting behavior. The volume also includes listings of black Democratic elected officials and black delegates and alternates to the 2000 convention in Los Angeles.

There were several interesting developments in black politics in November 1996, the two most significant of which are the large increase in the black male vote and the election of four African-Americans to the U.S. House from majority white districts. Overall black turnout appears to be up from 1992, and African-Americans again were primarily Democratic in their partisanship on November 5.

TURNOUT. According to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, overall turnout in the 1996 election was down substantially from 1992; in 1992, 104.4 million people voted, while in 1996, 95.8 million people voted. This was the lowest level of voter participation since 1924.

This is a brief review of some of the available evidence on what transpired on November 3, 1998, when the black vote was critical to the outcome of a number of closely contested elections. This review focuses on two aspects of the election: (1) the behavior and significance of African American voters in the 1998 midterm elections; and (2) the changing numbers and profile of black candidates for both federal and statewide office, as well as their performance at the polls.

National turnout in the 1998 midterms was down from 1994. According to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, overall turnout declined from 38.8 percent in 1994 to 36.1 percent this year. African American voters turned out at somewhat lower rates than in 1994, principally reflecting the overall decline among the general population. According to exit polls, the black share of the 1998 vote was 10 percent, the same share as in 1994. Thus, there was no decline in the black share of the vote nationally.

This study, commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large. The researchers examined the direct costs associated with the provision of care to a sicker and more disadvantaged population, as well as the indirect costs of health inequities such as lost productivity, lost wages, absenteeism, family leave, and premature deaths.

This study documents the failure of government and nonprofit agencies to engage Black clergy and churches as a key resource in responding to the urgent needs of people of color in Katrina’s aftermath. As a result, only one of the Black churches studied was reimbursed for the costs of assisting Katrina victims and survivors. Some of the African American ministers serving as first responders had lost everything themselves, including the assurance of a pay check or a church building to return to. However, no special arrangements were made and one pastor reported he was moved seven times before ending up in a FEMA trailer. Likewise, a number of Black clergy were routinely ignored by mental health professionals on the scene, despite the fact that the emotional and spiritual support they can give congregational members is pivotal to the success of mental health treatment and interventions. Even more striking was the failure of government workers to use Black ministers as mediators or advisors in instances where Katrina survivors pointed out racial biases and discrimination on the part of American Red Cross personnel and others.

This report presents the issues and recommendations identified during this effort. This report is written with an outside in perspective. It starts by laying out the issues affecting the industry and how these issues affect the MWDVBEs. It argues for developing a strong business case and consistent value proposition for engaging in supplier diversity. It then presents the current state of MWDVBEs. The report also addresses the effectiveness of supplier diversity programs and the challenges associated with aligning (in some cases, evolving) current efforts in dealing with the new industry realities.

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Date Published: March 2003
 

This paper presents a synthesis of findings and themes from a set of background papers commissioned by the Joint Center and from a convening of California-based stakeholders. It concludes with a set of core principles that should form a framework for disaster preparedness planning in the future.

Date Published: May 2008
 

A supervisor's Guidebook for Supporting and Retaining New Workforce Entrants in Today's Multicultural Workforce

This book outlines methods for integrating entry-level workers into the workplace through a strong assimilation process. The assimilation process is designed to help them adjust to the organization's culture, understand job expectations, and build their skills. It also provides guidance in helping new employees develop successful work relationships and build basic business literacy, while providing continuous performance support.

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Date Published: October 2002
 

Price: $20.00