Analyzing the behavior of African American state legislators in multiple legislative sessions across five states, Haynie has compiled a wealth of valuable data that reveals the dynamics and effectiveness of black participation in the legislative process.

Along with numerous statistical charts illustrating everything from representation on house standing committees to a ranking of the fifteen legislative sessions by quartiles of African American political incorporation, a useful and revealing portrait emerges -- one that will fuel debate and inform future discussions of the role of African Americans in the political process.

Introduction: Race Representatives or 'Responsible Legislators'? Agenda Setting and the Representation of Black Interests Race, Representation, and Committee Assignments African American Political Incorporation: A View from the States Race and Peer Evaluations of African American Legislators: A Case Study Conclusion