Breakthrough
Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

Hope springs eternal, even in politics.” Gwen Ifill Gwen Ifill, as many GRs educated folks who catch US Public Television know, died last November of endometrial cancer, at the ridiculously young age of 61. Likely the most well known and well loved Black female journalist ever, with her death I was a......more

It has been one year since Gwen Ifill died. I decided to read her book and compare it to what is happening today. The book is about race relations. Ifill provides a brief history of race relations in this country. Then from the civil rights movement to 2009, she reveals the increase in Blacks enterin......more

A very enjoyable and enlightening read. The book is somewhat dated, having been written as Obama was winning for his first term. However, the issues remain relevant and the personal experiences detailed shed a lot of light on the opportunities and pitfalls of being black and a politician. It is clea......more

I find that perhaps the book is even more relevant 5 years after it was first published than it was during the height of the euphoria many felt about Obama's political victory. In an age where race once again is becoming a commonly discussed issue, the concept of breaking through toward real reform......more

Dear Gwen, I finally read your book, even though you signed my copy many years ago. I felt compelled to pick it up not only because I miss seeing you on television but also that the topic of your book is so interesting to consider with our country's current leadership. I was devastated to learn of yo......more