Identity Politics

On a panel titled “From Negro to African American: Is There a Limit to Identity Politics?” three authors discussed when or should being Black cease to be relevant to African-American people. Issues included political power, playing the “race card,” and reparations. After the discussion the panelists answered questions from members of the audience. Ms. Bates moderated the event.

After the panel telephone lines were open for viewer comments about the panel. Outside the hall, Ms. Jacoby was interviewed about the topic and answered telephone calls from viewers.

Debra Dickerson is the author of The End of Blackness, published by Pantheon Books. Ishmael Reed is the author of Another Day at the Front: Dispatches from the Race War, published by Basic Books. Ellis Cose is the author of Bone to Pick: Of Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Reparation, and Revenge, published by Atria Books. Karen Bates is the co-author of Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times, published by Dou close