The Break-Through: Politics and Race in the age of Obama

Gwen Ifill’s book, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the age of Obama” is a true political page turner that takes an in-depth look at the world of politics within the “African American Community” as its focus broadens from the micro perspective of the African American Community to the macro perspective of the “Global Community” and the roles in Politics African Americans are forging for themselves.

In taking this hard hitting look at the evolution of Political Power as it transitions from the “Old Guard” of the Civil Rights Movement, i.e. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Julian Bond, etc., to the emerging group of Leaders, i.e. Newark, New Jersey’s Mayor Corey Booker, Massachusetts’s Governor Deval Patrick, and New York’s Governor David Patterson as well as lesser known up-and-comers, who have come into Political power during the era of the Obama Candidacy and Presidency, Ifill skillfully captures the internal challenges & struggles of race, gender, sexism, ageism, and the conflicts, i.e. “Sandpaper Moments”, these groups face between each other as well as those of the African American Politian.

The Break-Through is a must read in understanding the Political landscape, challenges, successes, and future role of African Americans in various Political arenas and their impact on our homes, our lives and future generations to come.