This unique collection of original essays by distinguished urban scholars is a progress report on the continuing struggle for minority access to political power in American cities. In compelling detail in documents what has been achieved over the past 25 years, what has not, and what blacks and Hispanics envision as their role in future city governments.

It compares the politics of urban minorities within a common conceptual framework, drawing together a substantial body of research on ethnic coalition and mobilization strategies - and their consequences - in a diversity of settings.