A decade after its first release, Clinton Galloway reintroduces his seminal work, Anatomy of a Hustle: Cable Comes to South Central L.A., to a new generation of readers. This 354-page exposé uncovers the systemic technology deprivation in Black communities and the legal struggles that followed, culminating in a Supreme Court battle.
As the political landscape shifts following the inauguration of the 47th U.S. president, many Black voters feel disillusioned by executive orders rolling back DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The growing discontent among voters highlights the enduring consequences of historical injustices, making Galloway’s book more relevant than ever.
The Battle for Technological Inclusion in South Central L.A.
The history of technology deprivation in South Central, Los Angeles, dates back to the aftermath of the Watts Riots, which left the region struggling with poverty, crime, and educational disparities. In 1978, Clinton and Carl Galloway recognized cable television as a tool for economic empowerment, education, and community development. Their company, Preferred Communications, aimed to provide South Central with access to vital programming and economic opportunities.
The Galloway Brothers’ Vision
- A cable television network for South Central – The Galloways sought to establish the first Black-owned cable franchise in the area.
- Economic impact – Their project was expected to create over 5,000 jobs over a decade.
- Educational programming – Clinton Galloway hosted Utilities Outlook, a financial education program broadcast in Beverly Hills.
- Strategic partnerships – The brothers collaborated with cable industry experts and minority business owners to navigate the complex application process.
Despite meeting all requirements, their application for a cable franchise in South Central was met with strong opposition from city officials and policymakers.
Legal Battles and Supreme Court Victory
The denial of Preferred Communications’ franchise bid led to a protracted legal battle against the city of Los Angeles. The case ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court, where the justices ruled in 1986 that the city’s actions violated First Amendment rights by limiting technological access in South Central.
However, despite this landmark ruling, the Galloways’ battle was far from over.
Key Legal Challenges
- Years of litigation – The city of Los Angeles resisted compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
- Legislative roadblocks – In 1993, Congress passed a law preventing cities from being held financially liable for civil rights violations related to cable franchising.
- Economic losses – The Galloways were denied their share of what became a multibillion-dollar industry.
The decision effectively ended the Galloways’ pursuit of a cable network, reinforcing how bureaucracy and corruption can stifle Black entrepreneurship.
A Scathing Indictment of Urban Politics
Galloway’s book does not simply recount a legal battle—it is an exposé of the deep-seated political obstacles that prevent technological advancement in Black communities. While racial discrimination may not be the overt reason for their exclusion, Anatomy of a Hustle raises critical questions:
- Why was Preferred Communications denied a franchise despite being the only qualified applicant?
- Did favoritism or political self-interest dictate the decision?
- Who within the Black political and business communities worked against this initiative?
- How did this obstruction contribute to the continued technological gap in Black communities?
The book invites readers to examine the intricate details of the case and draw their own conclusions.
The Lasting Impact of the Galloway Brothers’ Struggle
While Anatomy of a Hustle documents a painful journey, it is also a story of resilience. Clinton Galloway fulfills a deathbed promise to his brother Carl, who passed away from leukemia in 2008, by sharing their story with the world. Their struggle reflects a broader reality—technology deprivation remains a pressing issue in many Black and underserved communities today.
Key Takeaways from the Book
- Government and corporate interests often collude at the expense of marginalized communities.
- Access to technology is a civil rights issue, not just an economic one.
- Legal victories do not always translate into real-world change.
- Black entrepreneurs face systemic barriers, even from within their own communities.
Where to Get the Book
Anatomy of a Hustle: Cable Comes to South Central L.A. is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Final Thought
The book serves as a crucial reminder that injustice, whether political or economic, creates openings for greater societal inequalities. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Galloway’s work challenges readers to recognize and confront the modern-day implications of systemic technological exclusion.
