Economic Security
More on Economic Security
by Zenitha Prince
For African Americans and other minorities financial reform is particularly important, advocates, lawmakers and officials said.
"For starters, they've been disproportionately hurt by the current system, which has allowed this ‘go-go' mentality of ‘anything goes,'" said Kathleen Day, spokeswoman for the nonprofit, Center for Responsible Lending. "And as we can see, unfairly targeting specific groups isn't good for anybody … it isn't good for the whole United States."
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.