Walking with Presidents: Louis Martin and the Rise of Black Political Power

Dubbed the godfather of black politics, Martin (b. 1912) served as an adviser to Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Carter and was a groundbreaking figure within the Democratic Party. This first biography, by Ebony contributor Poinsett, serviceably outlines Martin's career, though a more dramatic and detailed work is merited. As a journalist for the black-oriented Michigan Chronicle, Martin helped foster solidarity with the labor movement in the 1930s and '40s. As liaison to the black community for JFK's presidential campaign, he helped arrange appointments of blacks to federal jobs. For LBJ, he organized black voters and later encouraged the President's civil rights efforts, advising Johnson that a civil rights dialogue was needed after major legislation was passed. His role in the Carter administration was to repair its frayed bonds with the black community. He also influenced the appointments of many black judges. Another legacy was the establishment of a black think tank--the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. Though Martin cooperated with the author, this book lacks personal insights as well as comments from Martin on controversies in black politics. (May)