Black Political Representation in Southern Cities

Abstract

Cities of the deep South are distinctive because they are at once influenced by a con sistently large black population and a history of discrimination. This study seeks to identify and measure the significant causal variables that affect black representation in cities of three southern states. Blacks are greatly underrepresented, but changes are occurring and black representation is increasing. This situation requires person-to-person data gathering for accuracy. The results show that equitable representation for black citizens in southern cities depends heavily on the method by which the city governing body is elected. The at-large selection systems used by two-thirds of the cities have a negative impact on black representation. The percentage of black population is highly significant as a positive causal variable. Socioeconomic variables appear less important but are difficult to evaluate. A speculative finding that election method affects southern black political participation makes this variable especially important to equitable representation of the black citizen in the southern city.