Booker: Turning the page on race?

One of my academic heroes, Vijay Prashad, doesn't think so. Read his great review of Gwen Ifill's book The Breakthrough in ColorLines magazine. I've not read her book, but now will very likely pick it up.

He makes some really great points about black men and electoral politics, for example, scratching beneath the surface of Obama as a symbol.

And he talks about Cory Booker, who I have been fascinated with ever since I saw the film Street Fight a few years back on POV. He is one of the most engrossing political figures I have ever seen. While Prashad is critical of him, he also does point out Booker's redeeming qualities. If you can get your hands on it, please watch Street Fight--don't read any of the Cory Booker links I have here because they will give away the ending. Not knowing the outcome is part of what makes the documentary riveting.

Here's a convo with the director/excepts from the film:

Part 1




Part 2 (don't watch the last minute, it gives it away)



Sorry, Part 3 might not work.



Oh well, you get the message. Should be enough for you to put that in your netflix queue straightaway! This is film is so relevant for our political landscape, take a gander.