Dr. Jones discussed The Last Plantation as part of the Democracy and Ethnonationalism Lecture Series, hosted by the Rutgers Center for Security, Race, and Rights.

When voters think about Congress, they usually envision the politicians they elected working, often arguing, and making deals behind closed doors. But the people who have incredible influence with such things as policy writing are the staffers who work for different politicians' offices, most of whom are disproportionately White. In this environment, and especially in this current political climate, the work that Black staffer are doing on Capitol Hill is all the more essential to preserving American democracy. Dr. James R. Jones, Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Sociology at Rutgers University-Newark, joins host Dr. Mark Anthony Neal to discuss his new book, "The Last Plantation: Racism and Resistance in the Halls of Congress," published by ‪@princetonuniversitypress‬.

“James R. Jones’s The Last Plantation provides an important case study and analysis that helps further sociological understanding of racial politics at these levels. . . . By focusing on social patterns of discrimination and racial inequalities within the halls of Congress itself, the book shines a light on a major process of racial oppression in the United States. . . . This book is of great value to policy makers, scholars, and the public.”—Michael Rosino, Sociology of Race and Ethnicity

“An insightful exploration of racial dynamics within one of America’s most influential institutions. . . . Jones provides a thorough and thought-provoking analysis that challenges readers to confront the institutionalized racism that still lingers in American governance. His book is a call not just for acknowledgment of these issues but for a fundamental transformation of how we think about political life and justice. . . . For anyone concerned with social race, inequality, and American politics, The Last Plantation is an important read.”—Philip V. McHarris, Social Forces

Many congressional staffers and workers on Capitol Hill have argued that, regardless of the party in power, the institution hasn’t evolved much on diversity in the workplace. And that means African Americans are frequently underrepresented in high-level jobs, and can often be targets of racism and abuse during their work. On today’s episode of A Word, Jason Johnson is joined by Dr. James R. Jones, the author of

The Last Plantation: Racism and Resistance in the Halls of Congress.

James Jones, director of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America at Rutgers University-Newark, said term limits are viewed as a "magic bullet" when issues like campaign finance reform and lobbyists' input are just as vital to address.

There's also a comfort level with candidates like Pascrell, who served in Jones' home state and received over 70 percent of his party's primary vote earlier this year. Challengers often view facing such incumbents as a major uphill battle due to lack of name recognition and general party structures in place—along with dark money and bloated Super PACs.

"This problem of octogenarians and septuagenarians is important, but I think the bigger issue is about money and politics and how do we challenge that," Jones told Newsweek. "I think Nancy Pelosi stays in power and has a lot of influence in part because she's an incredible fundraiser."

Dr. Jones talks The Last Plantation with Sociologist Fabio Rojas

Sociologist Victor Ray reviewed The Last Plantation in the Emancipator.

Dr. Jones comments on a Virginia school board’s decision to change two school names to honor confederates.

Sociologist James R. Jones’ new tome paints a damning portrait of the Capitol as a workplace.

Dr. Jones spoke with Roll Call Reporter Jim Saska about what led him to write The Last Plantation. He discussed how unequal representation among congressional staff is an important issue subverting our democracy and what we can do to fix it.

Dr. James Jones reflects on his congressional internship experience, which inspired him to write The Last Plantation.

Dr. Jones is quoted in this Politico article about the increasing competitiveness of congressional internships .

The GOP-led House has eliminated the office on diversity and inclusion, maintaining a system of racial exclusion in the halls of power.

The Center for Politics and Race in America at Rutgers University-Newark was named in honor of the late-Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver, the first Black woman in New Jersey to hold statewide office, at a ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way,

James Jones was appointed as the inaugural director for the Center for Politics and Race in America at Rutgers Newark.

Dr. Jones testifies on how to improve access to congressional internships

Dr. Jones was interviewed by Karen Grigsby Bates, Senior reporter for NPR Codeswitch, about the Capitol attack and racism within the congressional workplace.

The same lawmakers moving to address racism in policing nationwide have shown little interest in fixing their own house.

“We must finally hold Congress accountable for whom they hire. If Congress is to have an important role in helping us achieve an anti-racist future, they can only do so, if they first clean up their own house.”