Before Hurricane Katrina, the black population majority in New Orleans had some measure of political clout with a parade of black mayors and city council members. But they did not have any corresponding socioeconomic power. Which was a particular problem. Because the New Orleans black community suffered disproportionately from poor public schools, inadequate health care, bad housing, unemployment, middle class flight and crime. Moreover, the last black mayor of New Orleans- Ray Nagin- was an incompetent corrupt criminal.
New Orleans is a mere microcosm of the impact of race in the midst of American urban change. Black and white New Orleans know and live different realities. So do most Americans. Race and class seemingly creates a persistent
New Orleans is a mere microcosm of the impact of race in the midst of American urban change. Black and white New Orleans know and live different realities. So do most Americans. Race and class seemingly creates a persistent