Black Leaders Split Over Obama and the AA Agenda
Outspoken author, radio host and Obama
critic, Tavis Smiley is assembling some of the top Black
leaders--Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan and Cornel West--for a
nationally televised forum at Chicago State University to discuss how to push for a Black agenda in the White House. In the wake of Al Sharpton's recent support for the President, it seems a line is being drawn that separates African Americans who feel Obama is doing all that he can given the state of the economy, and those who think he ought to be taking more definitive action in favor of the Black community. As bank execs cash in their bonuses and Blacks collect unemployment checks, is it wrong to feel a little slighted by the President?
Read More: Al Sharpton Responds to Black Critics of ObamaPresident Obama Addresses Black Critics
Here's what you had to say: Mojo commented: "BTW...I'm so proud of my commenters on this thread. I think it's starting to seep in that Black folks don't need any hand outs. All we need to do is believe in ourselves... President Obama is putting issues on the platform that will help all Poor, Working, and Middle Class Americans. Poor is not a race. It's a class and we should be happy that we have advocates in office who are addressing the woefully neglected issues of poor people."
Jeanette wrote: "Let's be real. If [Obama were] a White president who specifically did favors for other Whites, we'd start picketing because of discrimination. The policies that the Obama Administration are putting into place will support everyone in some way, shape or form." Elbry4 said: "This is what happens when we vote for someone based on race and not the issues they are in favor of or against... Keep yourselves posted--the gap will get even bigger!"