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Black Faces, Black Interests: The Representation of African Americans in Congress

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Professor Swain wrote an incredible account of both black and white representatives of African-Americans (both minority and majority districts) in the US Congress. She examines the history of blacks in Congress, the definition of "black interests," and the difference between black descriptive and substantive representation. The book was originally written between the 1990 general election and the 1992 Presidential election. Although this may seem to make the book out of date, Dr. Swain updated her manuscript with an addendum to the first edition. This chapter covers the Republican Sweep of the 1994 general election and discusses its consequences to black descriptive and substantive representation. 'Black Faces, Black Interests' can be highly relevent to the historically minded, as the facts of the past shape the future. In this end, the author can have the most impact by educating readers, thus possibly touching the future representatives of African-Americans.