Red State Conundrums

This is a map provided by the Census Burea showing the Black population in the United States. I have often wondered how it is that with such extremely high population levels (much of the map indicates

50% or more in the south) neither Gore nor Kerry carried a southern state in the recent presidential elections. What about the lack of black governors or senators from these states?

A large proportion of the black voting age population is incarcerated. There are also laws prohibiting former felons from voting. Overall, we know most citizens of the country who can vote don't.

Still, in 1995 the Million Man March registered a record number of voters. In fact voter registration drives were one of the strategies employed to inform people about the march. That campaign did continue after the event.

Ironically, one of the democratic parties' strongest constituencies seems to have no discernible impact on presidential elections yet should hold the swing vote throughout the south.