Panelists urge the President to address African-Ameicans’ needs

story by conservative Chicago Tribune newspaper
written by Dahleen Glanton

photo right of Tavis Smiley (at mic) with Tom Burrell, Minister Farrakhan, and Jesse Jackson

On the eve of a crucial vote in Congress on health care legislation, thousands of African-Americans gathered in Chicago to urge President Barack Obama to pay more attention to blacks.

The president has pointed to his efforts to overhaul the health care system, rebuild the economy and improve education as inclusive policies that will affect the nation as a whole, while also improving conditions for minorities who have suffered disproportionately in the recession.

But many blacks have become increasingly frustrated with Obama for failing to develop programs targeting the hardest-hit communities.

"President Obama is not addressing our black agenda because he has been told (by some black leaders) that he doesn't have to," said former Chicago Ald. Dorothy Tillman, one of 12 panelists at Saturday's symposium at Chicago State University. "We are so happy to have a black face in the White House that we think we have to get back in our place."

The "We Count!" event, which at times resembled a church rally with people standing and shouting "Amen," was an effort to voice the concerns of African-Americans and offer constructive criticism that could lead to policy changes, said Tavis Smiley, the television and radio host who organized it.

Participants urged Obama to stand up for African-Americans, who gave him 97 percent of their votes in the election and continue to give him record high approval ratings as he loses support from other groups.

Minister Louis Farrakhan, whose Nation of Islam followers provided security at the event, said that despite black turnout, it was the white power structure that put Obama in office and the same wealthy whites are controlling the agenda.

"When you are running (for office), you can say a lot of things …" Farrakhan said. "President Obama does not run this country, he has been chosen to run white affairs. If (African-Americans) get something, it is because we organized and forced the government to speak to our needs."

As a symbol of respect and admiration for the president despite the disagreements, a cube with the word "love" written on it was placed at the center of the table to indicate that the event was not an attack on Obama.

But that is not how everyone saw it. April Lewis, a 30-year-old Chicago State student, said she expected to get some answers about health care reform and the recession. Instead, she said, it was an "Obama-bashing event."


"I wanted them to focus on issues in Congress and what our community needs to do to help the president get things done. I wanted to hear more answers and solutions," Lewis said, adding that she would definitely vote for Obama again. "I think his heart is in the right place, and we should stop looking to criticize him so much."


Rashidi Baruti, 58, of Chicago, said he thinks Obama needs to do more to help African-Americans and is not sure at this point whether he would vote for him a second time.

"When other groups address their issues, nobody says anything," said Baruti, who works in the medical field. "It is time for us to get him to address our issues. We shouldn't feel uncomfortable doing it. Fear is what holds us back."

The debate over the "black agenda" has resulted in strong disagreements among some black leaders and the president's outspoken critics. Smiley said he hopes both sides eventually come together.

"This was a conversation whose time has come in black America," he said. "I hope all the drama and nonsense has been put to rest."

Your Comments welcome:

Lorraine315: I watched the whole thing yesterday and as much as I respect many on the panel, I have come to realize that they are simply what I consider “Buy My Book Activist” In other words their leadership is no longer in the streets its in Barnes and Noble. Tavis said something that really p*ssed me off- he made sure to point out the Obama Admin was invited but they declined. President Obama canceled EVERYTHING(his overseas trip) to see this health care reform through. What makes Travis think the President would take from the most important bill in modern history to send someone to talk to his crazy azz? The only one on the panel that really “inspired” me was Minister Farrahkan!

Tammy Lee: LEVEL THE OTHER PARTS OF THE PLAYING FIELD. And, I'm good.

Mark Gunn: "Black Leadership" is a misnomer ! THERE'S NO SUCH THING ! These idiots are whining and moaning about problems their lack of action has helped to create. The American Agenda IS the Black Agenda. Is health care just for White Folks ? Are Whites the only ones being affected by the economy ?Dumb asses ! Where's your "leadership" when it comes to ... See Moredealing with drugs, gangs, HIV/Aids ? Where's your "leadership" when it comes to educating Blacks about the political process ?Instead of trying to "hold the President's feet to the fire", you need to SHUT THE F*^K UP and do the job you were elected to do ! Trust me. Bitching and moaning ain't it !

Carolyn B. Baker: Some of us are sooooo stupid that it is appalling!Amen Mark...and who the f*^K appointed them anyway?

Mark Gunn: There was no memo, no meeting, nothing !

Anita Toney: Why is Tavis so against the President?

Robbie Jones: Can we just support our President and get him to his second term where he can do more!