David DaCosta

Abstract:

Political representation could be understood as the ways in which a representative figure presents something that was not present before – whether it be in the form of groups that share a sense of identity with a figure or the issues the figure backs in a formal political position. In analyzing the works of three reputable Black representatives – W.E.B Du Bois, Sen. Cory Booker, and James Baldwin – I will show why representation matters, how these figures represent for unique groups, and how traditional definitions of political representation fall short in assuring apt representation for the historically minority group of Black Americans.