This panel explores the impact of the Obama Presidency on black leadership and examines the possibilities for racial, ethnic, class, and other coalitions of politically marginalized communities. This panel also provides a comparative perspective by reference to the Southern Africa experience. Professor Kennedy examines the changing environment for black political leadership that is reflected and encouraged by Barack Obama’s ascendancy to the Presidency. Professor Smith analyzes the moderation of black politics and evaluates the impact of the Obama presidency on the discourse of race and class in the United States. Professor Lazos Vargas considers whether Obama’s election signals a move beyond identity politics. She argues that, while his election may represent a generational shift in racial attitudes, it does not represent a solution to the cultural divide and more importantly, to how we talk about race. Professor Klug discusses the relationship between the politics and rhetoric of law articulated by various Black Southern African leaders over the last twenty-five year—including Mugabe, Mandela, Mbeki, Zums—and analyzes how this relationship interacts with the issue of trust, by their political supporters and opponents, local and international markets, and the international media. Professor Charles is the moderator for the panel.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.