Mainstreaming Black Power

by Tom Adam Davies

Writing in 1970, Mayor John Lindsay recognized this growing sentiment among white New Yorkers: In the last few years, governments at all levels have mounted a wide range of programs to aid the deprived. They have, in the main, been meager programs; they have in no sense represented the commitment of resources and energy we need—but they have been visible. Many governments, New York City’s included, have attempted to break through the decades of neglect and demonstrate to our most deprived citizens that government cares about them and it can respond to their grievances. And seeing this—seeing at least the effort and concern among one part of the citizenry—the mainstream New Yorker may well ask: “Where is an effort being made to answer my grievances? Is the black man to be bettered at my expense?”