"This compact work should appeal to those studying race, conflict, and the role of media in society, particularly
the different roles that 'big' and 'small' media may play... The book provides valuable insights into the processes
of journalistic and societal framings of racial issues during the latter half of the twentieth century... In total,
the book makes a compelling argument for the black press as a unique voice, not a substitute for participation
in the mainstream media... Jacob's book brings us face-to-face with questions that will color our view of our multicultural
world for years to come."
--Kimberly A. Neuendorf, Contemporary Sociology
Cambridge University Press Web Site, October, 2002
Summary
Since the early nineteenth century, African-Americans have turned to Black newspapers to monitor the mainstream
media and to develop alternative interpretations of public events. Ronald Jacobs tells the stories of these newspapers--in
New York, Chicago and Los Angeles--for the first time, comparing African-American and "mainstream" media
coverage of racial crises such as the Watts riot, the beating of Rodney King, the Los Angeles uprisings and the
O. J. Simpson trial. In an engaging yet scholarly style, Jacobs shows us why a strong African-American press is
still needed today.
Table of Contents
Introduction
2. Race, media and multiple publics
3. Historicizing the public sphere(s): New York, Los Angeles, Chicago
4. The Watts uprisings of 1965
5. The Rodney King beating
6. Rodney King 1992
7. Conclusion
