Black Presidents, Racial Violence, and Democracy

Abstract

We investigate Black and White attitudes towards the police and gun control laws in light of the Trayvon Martin shooting that occurred in February of 2012 and the tremendous amount of attention subsequently given to the case during the summer. This research asks and seeks to help answer the question of why a Black president is important for Black people and how having a Black President during a time in which racial violence is given increased attention has impacted political attitudes and levels of trust in U.S. institutions. The findings are expected to shed light on what impact an Obama presidency and a racially hostile political climate may have on American political attitudes across racial lines.