Just Permanent Interests: Black Americans in Congress 1870-1991.

Over a span of more than 100 years, a surprisingly long list of African-Americans have struggled for political power in Congress. Unfortunately, most of their history has been over-shadowed by spotlights on the achievements of white politicians.

In Just Permanent Interests: Black Americans in Congress 1870-1991, Rep. William L. Clay (D.-Mo.), a member of Congress since 1969, traces the struggle for political strength through the political lives of black senators and representatives from 1870 to 1991. Clay is chairman of the House Post Office and Civil Service committees and is ranked second on the Education and Labor committee.

The first half of the book contains some of the most interesting chapters. Here, Clay provides his own insight into power politics and chronicles careers, beginning with Sen. Hiram R. Revels (R.-Miss.), who became the first black in Congress in 1870. He deals candidly with the political mistakes of these early representatives.

There are some lapses. It is easier to be critical of the dead than 20th-century heroes or colleagues. He tries--not always successfully--to strike a balance by writing unabashedly about the criminal misdeeds of some former members, while placing their actions in the context of long careers. And oddly, Clay does not come full circle. He hardly mentions Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Espy (D.-Miss.), the first black Mississippian sent to Congress since Reconstruction.

Despite these weaknesses, there is much to learn from all the untold stories in Just Permanent Interests. The telling may bring about a real understanding of political history and the black role in shaping our nation's destiny.