The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate the relationship between black political perceptions toward black political leaders and black political participation. The dissertation confirms that blacks have developed positive perceptions toward the role of black political leaders in the American political system in improving black conditions. The dissertation also finds that some factors of black political leadership have influenced black political participation when they decide to participate in election related activities (e.g., help campaign, talk to someone to persuade why they should vote for a certain candidate). This dissertation adds to our understanding of theories of black political participation by suggesting another determinant (positive perceptions among blacks toward the role of black political leaders in the American political system in improving black conditions) of black political participation. The dissertation also contributes to the study of black political leadership by pointing out factors of black political leadership (e.g., black political candidates\u27 natural dispositions, policy orientations) that have influenced black political participation
