With the rise of Black Lives Matter and immigrant rights protests, critics have questioned whether mainstream black and Latino civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and UnidosUS are in touch with the needs of minorities—especially from younger generations. Though these mainstream groups have relied on insider political tactics, such as lobbying and congressional testimony, to advocate for minority interests, Michael D. Minta argues that these strategies are still effective tools for advocating for progressive changes.
 
In No Longer Outsiders, Minta provides a comprehensive account of the effectiveness of minority civil rights organizations and their legislative allies. He finds that the organizations’ legislative priorities are consistent with black and Latino preferences for stronger enforcement of civil rights policy and immigration reform. Although these groups focus mainly on civil rights for blacks and immigration issues for Latinos, their policy agendas extend into other significant areas. Minta concludes with an examination of how diversity in Congress helps groups gain greater influence and policy success despite many limits placed upon them.

Michael D. Minta is associate professor in political science at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

One Introduction

Two A History of Black and Latino Interest Group Advocacy in the United States

Three Civil Rights Groups: The Challenge to Remain Relevant and Representative

Four Diversity and Legislative Success in Committees

Five Inviting Friends to Testify

Six Conclusion: Implications for Civil Rights Advocacy in the Era of Hashtag Movements

Acknowledgments

Notes

References

Index