With gubernatorial hopefuls on hand, African-born Americans seek influence

When the Rev. Darlingston Johnson tried to buy 120 acres in Montgomery County to accommodate his new church a decade ago, he quickly learned that local politicians were less devoted to practicing Christian–style kindness than he was.He needed a few zoning signatures. Officials barely gave him the time of day. The reason, he says: His membership included lots of African immigrants, a group he says has never had a seat at the table of power.