Affirmative Action, The Supreme Court, and Political Power in the Old Confederacy

This fascinating book examines the issue of affirmative action and how it has been affected by the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and various Supreme Court decisions. Utilizing data from the Personnel Boards of seven southern states, Ronnie Tucker assesses the impact of legal decisions on recruiting, hiring, and promoting African Americans in state government. His research is unique in its focus on the 'New South,' allowing him to determine whether southern states are progressing in the area of employment practices. Although legal decisions did not apparently have a direct effect on the pattern of employment in southern states, the 1965 Voting Rights Act helped to increase the number of black elected officials and, subsequently, the number of African Americans in state government. Tucker's study represents a significant contribution to the literature on affirmative action and will be an indispensable resource for those working in public administration or those interested in African American politics and race relations.