7810: Memphis Blacks & Blues.

From The New York Times…

Black Candidate Brings Race Into a Primary in Memphis

By The Associated Press

MEMPHIS — In the city where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, a once-unbeatable black former mayor wants the Democratic Congressional primary to be a referendum on race.

Willie W. Herenton, the former mayor, is accusing Steve Cohen, the white two-term United States representative, of “trying to act black.” He tells voters in this majority-black city that they “need to come off that Cohen plantation and get on the Herenton freedom train.”

But President Obama has endorsed Mr. Cohen, who has an “A” rating from the N.A.A.C.P. and has built support in the black community by supporting civil rights legislation and bringing much-needed federal financing to Memphis schools and hospitals.

“It appears that the former mayor is making race the basis of his campaign, but I don’t think voters are going to go for that at all,” Mr. Cohen said. “President Obama’s election proves that voters don’t look at race when making a decision in an election.”

Mr. Herenton is betting they will. Though in interviews he is happy to address issues like improving schools, creating jobs and bolstering small minority businesses, on the campaign trail he focuses mostly on race and his contention that Tennessee needs “just one” black representative in its Congressional delegation.

“I believe that the Constitution includes all of God’s children and that we ought not to be segregated or treated differently because of our race, because of our class or because of religion,” Mr. Herenton said during a campaign stop.

His strategy is resonating with some black voters.

Antonio Parkinson has not decided whom to vote for in the Aug. 5 primary, but says Mr. Herenton’s argument about diversifying the delegation is valid.

“He’s pretty straight-up when it comes to his opinion about issues,” Mr. Parkinson said.

Dr. King’s assassination in 1968 tapped into racial tensions and set off riots across the country. Still, when it comes to politics, Memphis is not as focused on race as it was. Politically powerful black ministers have stayed mum, showing a reluctance to publicly support Mr. Herenton.

Four years ago, Mr. Cohen became the first white congressman since 1972 to win the heavily Democratic district, which roughly follows the city’s borders.

He has sponsored or supported legislation addressing racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system and apologizing for slavery and segregation.

“Congressman Cohen has done more for African-Americans than a lot of African-Americans in Memphis have done for themselves,” said a supporter, Tony Nichelson, who is black.

There have not been many polls, although one released Monday showed Mr. Cohen far ahead among likely voters.

But Mr. Herenton, who is respected for improving the city’s economy, luring corporate investment and helping revitalize downtown, has never lost an election. He spent 18 years as mayor.

He resigned last year amid a federal investigation into whether he used his city office to help his private real estate deals, but the inquiry has gone dormant.

Mr. Herenton calls Mr. Cohen a phony, but the congressman has won loyalty from blacks.

Mr. Cohen hosted the opening of a campaign office that included soul singers and a rap group. When the group started rapping, “Keep goin’ and goin’, with Steve Cohen,” Mr. Cohen took off his jacket and danced along, slightly out of rhythm but unashamed. The crowd applauded.