Race, Representation, and Trust: Changes in Attitudes After the Election of a Black Mayor

Abstract

This article addresses the general proposition that changes in leadership images precipitate changes in public opinion. Specifically, the purpose of this research is to determine if changes in the levels of political trust expressed by black and white city residents can be attributed to the election of a city's first black mayor. The attitudes of black and white residents of the City of Atlanta before and after the election of a black mayor are compared, and changes occurring during the study period are compared to similar national data. Alternate explanations for the changes observed are explored. The data examined suggest that increased identification with city government among blacks is stimulated by the election of a black mayor.