Economic Security
More on Economic Security
By Dr. Boyce Watkins
I listened in on a White House conference call today being hosted by Dr. Cecilia Rouse, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. I agreed with the reasons for the call, given that African-Americans have been hit the hardest by the economic crisis. Some might argue that we have the most to gain if the financial reforms are actually passed. I agree with that assessment.
By RHONDA B. GRAHAM
It's unfortunate that the first black American president feels he can't confab with African-American leaders about jobs in their community outside Black History month.
This is the distinct impression from Barack Obama's Oval Office meeting Wednesday with Benjamin T. Jealous, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League; and the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network.
With the joblessness among African Americans at 16.5%, they want to ensure that legislation being drafted in Congress will be effective in minority-dominated areas.
By Christi Parsons and Janet Hook
Amid signs that black Americans are not sharing in the nation's fledgling economic recovery, President Obama on Wednesday met at the White House with African American leaders, who urged him to adopt a new approach more tightly focused on chronically depressed communities.
While the unemployment rate in January dropped below 10% for the first time in five months, joblessness among blacks increased slightly, to 16.5%.
Rejects assertions that US isn’t doing enough to help
By Joseph Williams, Globe Staff
Stung by accusations from some African-Americans that he has not done enough for urban communities, President Obama has embarked on an effort to soothe a constituency once counted as his fiercest source of support.
In a series of interviews this week with media outlets aimed at African-Americans, Obama said he understands pent-up frustrations about foreclosures, bank bailouts, and festering social issues, while he also challenged assertions that he has given short shrift to cities.
By Hazel Trice Edney - NNPA Editor-in-Chief
The 10 Black members of the powerful House Finance Committee are still being applauded this week for boldly boycotting a committee meeting in order to force a $4 billion allocation to benefit the Black community.
They have told the NNPA News Service that they plan to escalate protests if lawmakers continue to ignore the suffering of their constituents, including advertising discrimination against Black newspapers.