The first book by an African American liberal about black conservatism and its growing appeal among African Americans today What exactly is a black conservative, and why would anyone choose to be one? wonders Professor Christopher Bracey, an African American, a liberal, and a Democrat. While the recent midterm elections have buoyed liberals, Democrats have been losing ground with their African American base. In 1972, fewer than 10 percent of African Americans identified as conservative; today nearly 30 percent or 11.2 million African Americans do. Though black conservatives are quickly becoming the most visible and prominent voices within African American politics and culture, few of us realize that the black conservative tradition pre-dates the Civil War and is an intellectual movement with deep historical roots. While tracing this tradition, Bracey reveals the influence of conservatism upon various black social and political movements, including those typically regarded as being outside of the conservative tradition. He also examines the tradeoffs made by conservatives, many of which raise serious questions as to whether modern conservatives are effectively protecting the interests of blacks. Saviors or Sellouts is an original and penetrating account of a puzzling phenomenon in American culture and politics. This marvelous book is required reading for all who want to understand the phenomenon of conservatism in the most progressive group of Americans--Black people. --Cornel West, author of Race Matters In seeking to chart the topography of black conservatism, Bracey undertakes a task not only necessary to the new millenium's politics of blackness but also brave.Neither black liberals nor conservatives have a monopoly on the truth, nor does either group have an innate right to the hearts and minds of the community; it is only by respecting each other enough to engage in a respectful debate that blacks can heal themselves and fight for their preferences in the body politic. This work will aid immeasurably in achieving that goal. It is long overdue. --Debra J. Dickerson, author of The End of Blackness: Returning the Souls of Black Folk to their Rightful Owners Saviors or Sellouts is a must read--not only to identify black conservatives but, indeed, to understand them. --Mary Frances Berry, author of My Face is Black is True: Callie House and the Struggle for Ex-slave Reparations and Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania This important and fascinating engagement with the growing black conservative movement illuminates one of the most vexing political trends of our time. Written by a leading African American liberal, it powerfully traces the intellectual character and practical appeal of this growing movement, and offers a realistic and empathetic, yet sharply critical, appraisal. --Ira Katznelson, author of When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-Century America and Ruggles Professor of Political Science and History, Columbia University Bold and provocative, Saviors or Sellouts challenges us to rethink longstanding political labels as part of larger quest for social justice and black community empowerment in the 21st century. --Peniel E. Joseph, author of Waiting 'Til the Midnight Hour: A Narrative History of Black Power in America