Originally published in 2008, Omar H. Ali’s groundbreaking study reveals the multiple independent political strategies and tactics that African Americans have used to expand democracy and to fight for civil and political rights since the founding of the nation.
This new edition of Ali’s book includes an epilogue by independent political analyst and Independent Voting President Jacqueline Salit. New chapters address the presidencies of both Barack Obama and Donald Trump, as well as the rising tide of independent and anti-party sentiments.
Omar H. Ali is dean of Lloyd International Honors College and professor of global and comparative African diaspora history at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. A graduate of the London School of Economics, he received his Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and was named the Carnegie Foundation North Carolina professor of the year.
What people are saying about In the Balance of Power
One of the many virtues of Omar Ali’s account lies in highlighting the variety of political structures and strategies blacks have chosen over the course of American history in pursuing the goal of racial justice. Independent politics… has a long history, which, as Ali shows, has at many points energized the black community and helped to make America a better place for all its people.”
Eric Foner, from the foreword
Captures the most important nuances of the ways that African Americans have fought for their own political and economic interests.”
Journal of African American Studies
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Politics for the People Zoom Event
With Author Omar H. Ali
Sunday, February 21st
7pm ET
Click here to RSVP!
I am so excited to start reading the book, just received it yesterday.