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Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race

Full Episode

Season 1 Episode 1 | 55m 40s

Thirty-five years before Barack Obama’s election as President, the question of race and the possibility of bridging racial barriers were put to the test in an overlooked story in American politics: Tom Bradley’s 1973 election as Mayor of Los Angeles: The first African American mayor of a major U.S. city elected with an overwhelmingly white majority.

Aired: 01/31/16
Extras
Watch • 2:34
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Mayor Bradley Brings Reform and Inclusion to Los Angeles
Mayor Bradley brought inclusion, access, and reform to city government and Los Angeles.
Clip: 2:34
Watch • 4:03
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Bradley’s LA Becomes Polarized and Erupts into Civil Unrest
Bradley’s LA becomes polarized, communities clash, and the city erupts into civil unrest.
Clip: 4:03
Watch • 3:19
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Historic Election of 1st Black Mayor of Majority White City
In 1973, Tom Bradley becomes the first black mayor elected in a majority white U.S. city.
Clip: 3:19
Watch • 3:42
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Bradley’s Dramatic Battle for Los Angeles City Hall, 1969
The 1969 election for mayor of L.A. - one of the meanest campaigns in American history.
Clip: 3:42
Watch • 0:38
Bridging the Divide: Tom Bradley and the Politics of Race
Preview
In 1973, Tom Bradley becomes the first black mayor elected in a majority white U.S. city.
Preview: 0:38