Book Details

Description

Examines how citizens and the political leadership of two cities dealt with controversial court orders to end the segregation of public schools. Desegregation in Boston and Buffalo examines how the citizens and the political leadership of the two cities dealt with controversial court orders to end the segregation of public schools. Although the cities shared many similarities, they witnessed very dissimilar outcomes. Taylor covers key factors such as inter-ethnic relations and the struggle of various ethnic groups for political empowerment, and focuses on the political development of African American communities in urban environments and the role of Black elected leadership in helping to diffuse potentially volatile situations."An outstanding book! I know a great deal about Boston school desegregation since I served as a court-appointed master. Factually, the author has given an excellent report. The use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods enhance the readability of the book. The historical summaries of racial politics in Buffalo and Boston are the best that I have seen." -- Charles V. Willie, Harvard University

 Steven J. L. Taylor is Visiting Assistant Professor of Government at American University.