Race, Power, and Political Emergence in Memphis by Wright Sharon D

Author:Wright, Sharon D. [SHARON D. WRIGHT]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis (CAM)
Published: 2011-08-31T16:00:00+00:00

Figure 5.4. Otis Higgs concedes his loss for mayor in November 1975. W.W.Herenton is in the background. The race of the Higgs and Chandler supporters showed the extent of racial polarization in the city. (Courtesy of the Mississippi Valley Collection, University of Memphis)

In 1979, Wyeth Chandler again focused on his accomplishments during his eight years as mayor. In the area of economic growth, an increase in jobs resulted from new and expanding Memphis businesses. Chandler also cited evidence of less employment discrimination, a thriving tourist industry, and a downtown development plan which included the Mid-America Mall, Cook Convention Center, Volunteer Park, Mud Island Project, and other restaurants and attractions.21

The issue of race was dominant in the 1979 election. A major dilemma for Higgs was his lack of a strong campaign platform. His “Yes We Can” theme stressed racial love, equality, crime, public education, and economic growth.22 Higgs implied that a vote in his favor would be a vote against racism and accused Chandler of heightening the issue of race. He neither detailed his abilities nor convinced voters that he had greater leadership qualities than a two-term incumbent with a relatively successful record.

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