By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

July 20, 2009 – The NAACP Convention marked the 100th anniversary of the civil rights organization with a keynote address by President Barack Obama Thursday, July 16 in New York City. 

En route, the president invited African-American reporters from Black media organizations to join him on Air Force One at a reporters’ roundtable.

Aboard Air Force One just before the interview.

The president was asked about being responsive to African Americans, health care, helping Black businesses, school vouchers and racism.  Here are excerpts from that interview:  

Kevin Chappell: Republican National Chair Michael Steele criticized you today for attending the NAACP convention, even though he said that you have yet to put forth specific policies to help African Americans.  He said that Blacks are growing tired of hearing that a rising tide lifts all boats, and that you need to raise specific plans to help African Americans.  How do you respond to that?

President Obama:  “Well, first of all, I think Mr. Steele should focus on what the Republican Party is doing.  I think that as Chairman, I think — let me put it this way:  I think all African Americans would welcome Mr. Steele moving the Republican Party in a direction that was more responsive to the concerns of working people generally, and African Americans in particular.

 If you look at our approach over the first six months, the most urgent job for us has been to make sure that the economy gets up back on track, because African Americans have been disproportionately impacted by the contraction of the economy.  They have been most severely affected by the loss of jobs, foreclosures, loss of health care.  They’re most likely to be imperiled by budget cuts at the state levels.”

Cynthia Gordy:  Last month the White House held a roundtable discussion on racial health disparities, but remedies for this issue haven’t seemed to really be integrated or incorporated in the general discussion around health care reform.  Considering the upcoming health care legislation, is addressing health disparities in the final version of the bill a priority for you?

President Obama:  “Well, I think it’s critical that we close some of these gaps.  And keep in mind that we’re smack dab in the middle of these big difficult negotiations around health care.  Keep in mind that a big chunk of those disparities will be closed if we’ve got health care for every American.”

Herb Boyd:    Mr. President, we’re on our way to the NAACP centennial convention.   Yesterday I was with Julian Bond and Cornel West.  And Mr. Bond said we’re living at a time in which Malia and Sasha can fly on Air Force One; little Black girls in Philadelphia can’t go in a swimming pool.  How does that strike you?

President Obama:  “Well, obviously we’re concerned about the particular instance of what happened in the pool, and I think that because of the media attention, it’s a reminder that this notion, that somehow because of my election, race is no longer an issue in America, is just not true.

On the other hand — and I’ll address this in my speech to the NAACP — I think that the biggest barriers that young African Americans face today have less to do with blatant discrimination and more to do with long-term structural inequalities that are rooted in slavery and Jim Crow but really manifest themselves in different ways today.  It has to do with sub-standard schools and communities where jobs are far and few between, and a lack of access to decent health care for mothers and children all the way through the end of life.” 

Pamela Gentry:  Mr. President, without the single-payer option on health care reform — for example, right now, in the Medicare program, which works very well, 80 percent of a person’s medical costs are covered for maybe $98 dollars a month, and they pay a Medigap for 20 percent of their coverage that’s almost $200.  Do you have a fear that if in fact too much of the private insurers really become the gateway into health care, and your public plan does not become an option, that African Americans and people without the money to pay for insurance will be left out?

 President Obama:  “Well, look, we don’t yet have a final bill.  I’ve said before that there are countries where single-payer plans have worked well.  But we have a tradition of an employer-based health care system where the majority, vast majority of people have their health care through private plans offered through their employer.

Now, we’ve still got a lot of work to do on how to make that happen.  And the public plan idea is one in which we think if people have a range of options, then there’s nothing wrong with having a government-run option that is competing side by side with private insurers to keep private insurers honest.

But I think we could all feel more confident that private insurers will be doing the right thing if they are having to look over their shoulder and see that a well-managed public plan is out there as an option, as well.”

Derek Dingle: I’m going to ask a question about small business and minority business.  In talking to our readers, there’s been some frustration around access to capital and access to contracts.  There have been reports that the Treasury has been looking at using TARP funds to support small business.  One, I wanted to know, are you moving forward with that proposal?  And secondly, will you have targeted aid to minority business such as the aid that was advocated by minority broadcasters in terms of getting bailout funds?

President Obama:  “Well, first of all, we are focusing on small businesses already.  So the Small Business Administration has increased its guarantees, in terms of lending.  It has been much more aggressive in trying to fill the gap as private lending contracted to make sure that small businesses continue to have access.  And we’ve seen that program utilized quite heavily.

The bigger problem that we probably are seeing right now in terms of small businesses and minority businesses has less to do with lack of access to capital, although that’s still a serious problem, but it has to do with the overall conditions of the economy and fewer customers and just a tough business environment out there generally.”

April Ryan: There’s a lot of expectation from the Black community — you’re one of them, you’re one of us.  And people — granted, this is your first six months — but people are looking for so much from you.  Are you feeling the pressure? 
President Obama:  “In terms of the broader pressures that I feel, I feel enormous pressures as the President of all Americans.  And obviously I take great pride in being the first African-American President, but the thing that I can deliver for the African-American community is a successful presidency that is fixing the economy, getting health care for all Americans, moving us in a direction of clean energy, improving our education system.  If I do those things, then the African-American community will succeed.”

Roland Martin:    You focus a lot on education.  And one of the things that you’ve been advocating are charter schools.  And you are against school vouchers.  Shouldn’t vouchers be a part of the — a piece of the education answers — like private schools, just like charter schools, Catholic schools, public schools, you name it?

President Obama: “When it comes to vouchers, my concern has always been that given the existing funding problems that we have with public schools, that a move toward vouchers would start unraveling in many communities a viable public school option, or would leave the public schools only for those kids whose parents weren’t organized enough to take advantage of private school options.  And so I have not been a supporter of vouchers.  I understand the arguments for vouchers, and I know that there are some great private schools out there that are doing great work with poor kids.”

My colleagues Kevin Chappell with Ebony/Jet, Cynthia Gordy with Essence, Herb Boyd with The Amsterdam News, Derek Dingle with Black Enterprise, Roland Martin with TV One and April Ryan with Urban Radio Network participated in the roundtable.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

(NEW YORK) July 16, 2009 – The president addressed a packed ballroom at  The NAACP convention Thursday night and acknowledged the accomplishments of those who paved the way over the past 100 years – but said the organization still has to work to do – and educating our children should be the top priority. 

President Barack Obama speaks during the 100th anniversary convention of the NAACP, Thursday, July 16, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo)

 “The first thing we need to do is make real the words of your charter and eradicate prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination among citizens of the United States,” the presidents said and received thunderous applause.

 But he said the “pain of discrimination” is far reaching.  He pointed to the workplace where Black women are often paid less than their White counterparts; Latinos are made to feel unwelcome in their own country; Muslim Americans are viewed with suspicion and gay and lesbians are denied their rights.

“Prejudice has no place in the United States of America,” he proclaimed.  

Proposing to “lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity,” he said it will require creating “opportunity within reach – not just for African Americans, but for all Americans.” 

Willie Baker from Washington, D.C., agrees with the president.  “He talked about ‘we’ – and that’s important. We don’t sail in an ocean alone; we go up and down together. You can’t eliminate Black unemployment without raising America’s unemployment,” Baker said.

Obama listed what he called “his pillar of this new foundation,” which includes affordable health insurance, energy reform, upgrading low-income homes and creating jobs that cannot be outsourced; all issues this audience was waiting to hear more details about.

The audience broke into applause throughout the president’s remarks, but he received his loudest applause when he spoke about the importance of the education of America’s youth.

“In the 21st century – when so many jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or more, when countries that out-educate us today will out-compete us tomorrow – a world-class education is a prerequisite for success,” he said.

“African-American students are lagging behind White classmates in reading and math – an achievement gap that is growing in states that once led the way on civil rights. Over half of all African-American students are dropping out of school in some places.”

The president said jokingly, “If Al Sharpton, Mike Bloomberg, and Newt Gingrich can agree that we need to solve it, then all of us can agree on that.”  Saying he did a double-take when the three sat in his office in full agreement. 

The president outlined education programs that are underway to motivate and encourage states to help make college affordable, strengthen community colleges, and reward good teachers. 

“And we should raise the bar when it comes to early learning programs. Today, some early learning programs are excellent. Some are mediocre. And some are wasting what studies show are – by far – a child’s most formative years,” he charged.

Deanna Tinsley, a retired educator for Louisville, told me, “The most important thing he said tonight was about education. When he talked about the role of parents and their responsibility, it really hit home – you can’t just send them to school.”

But the government can’t do it alone, Obama insisted. “All these innovative programs and expanded opportunities will not, in and of themselves, make a difference if each of us, as parents and as community leaders, fail to do our part by encouraging excellence in our children.”   

“Your destiny is in your hands – and don’t you forget that.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

July 16, 2009 – President Obama will flex his political muscle and exhibit his fundraising capacity Thursday when he travels to New Jersey to campaigns for Gov. Jon Corzine  (D-N.J.) and attends a fundraiser in New York City.

Both events are the bookends for the president’s keynote address at NAACP convention where the civil-rights organization is celebrating its 100th anniversary.   NAACP officials say they are looking forward to hearing “specific” on issues important to Black American from the president. 

Corzine, 62, a former U.S. Senator and now first-term governor is facing Republican challenger Christopher Christie,  46,  the state’s former U.S. attorney in November.  Obama could be a boost for Corzine who’s had a disapproval rating of 56 percent in a Quinnipiac survey last month.  This could be an early test of the “Obama factor” for 2010. 

 But anticipation is really underway for those attending the NAACP conference where folks will be waiting to hear the president on Black unemployment rates, education for the poor, and help for those home owners facing foreclosure.  It’s all about the economy and some NAACP officials say the president hasn’t made an effort to address Black concerns explicitly and has only spoke in broad general terms.

So he can expect the those gathered in the ballroom at the New York Hilton Hotel are looking for him to deliver specifics and not generalities on the issues they care about.  They understand the first African-American president is doing a delicate juggling act – they just want to make sure issues disproportionally impacting African-Americans are one of the balls in the air.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

July 14, 2009 – The NAACP got underway this week in New York City and is challenged to answer the nagging question:  Is the organization still relevant and needed?

The question always sparks controversy and could appear to be unwarranted with the election of the first African-American president; the election of the first African-American chairman of the Republican Party; the first Latino women poised to sit on the Supreme Court and a Black women nominated to become the next U.S. surgeon general.

But all of these accomplishments were made possible by the early work done by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as it paved the way.  That’s why its survival and constant watch is needed to keep opportunities and doors open for those who follow. 

NAACP president Benjamin Jealous acknowledged the organization must continue to work for social and economic justice.   “We dream big of a day all kids go to good schools, when all workers have a good job,” Jealous said. “And when someone says, ‘Mr. Jealous, your dreams are too big,’ I say, ‘Read up on the history of the NAACP.’”

When Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) was asked, “Do we need the NAACP?”  He responded, “You bet your life we do.” 

And Attorney General Eric Holder, the first African-American to lead the Justice Department agrees there is still work to be done. 

“We must resist the temptation to conclude that our nation has fulfilled its promise of equality based on one moment or on one election,” he said, in reference to Barack Obama being elected president.

“The efforts to harmonize our laws with our best ideals is not yet done,” Holder said.

These are the reasons the organizations century-old mission isn’t out-dated.  Now to continue combating old problem, Jealous has launched a new program using modern-day technology.  It’s the “rapid response system” and allows folks to use cell phones to capture photos or video of incidents of alleged police misconduct and send it to the organization through a Web browser.

   “Technology has basically put a video camera in the pocket of every child in this country over the age of 12 and most grown-ups as well,” he said.

Now the battles for racial equality won’t only be waged with marches, protest and boycotts – but with the help of cyber communications, social networking and texting. 

What a difference 100 years can make.

Do you think the NAACP is still relevant?

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst
March 17, 2009 – The Obama administration is going after an old problem with a new strategy.   Predatory lending has plagued the Black community for years and now the president is taking it on using  money set aside in the stimulus bill to provide relief for victims.  

Predatory lenders have always found fertile ground in the African-American community.  They target Black folks often in scams that sometimes leave victims homeless and broke.  But the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development,  Shaun Donovan says President Barack Obama’s housing plan is good news for African Americans who are on the brink of  losing their homes. 

“We know African Americans were disproportionately affected by predatory lending in recent years,” Donovan told reporters during a conference call on Monday. During the housing boom Blacks were able to access credit, but in some cases from lenders with unreasonable rates. 

Donovan said they’ve found more than half of the loans [sub-prime] were “high priced loans” leaving homeowners owing more than their home is worth.  “We’ve found predatory lenders moving to foreclosure scams – and we need to make sure these are stopped,” Donovan insisted.

Donovan, the former New York  Housing Commissioner, said the new $75 billion stimulus plan will help African-America homeowners  the same way a similar incentive helped in New York. Under the president’s plan, 7-9 million home owners will get assistance to lower their current payments,  3-4 million will be allowed to refinance their homes, access will be given to a pot of money [$200 billion] to refinance or buy a new home and keep credit markets open and flowing to the African-American community.

I asked Donovan how the department planned to get the word out to the Black community effectively.   He said they plan to “think creatively” and work with organizations like the NAACP.  He called on the minority media to help spread the news and said the department plans to use targeted advertising through Black newspapers, radio and television stations.

“We have to make sure these [predatory lenders] are stopped – and there are places for people to go to get good advice,” Donovan said.   

 Donovan said HUD has 81 regional offices, a toll-free number: 888-999-HOPE, and information on its Web site, www.hud.gov to assist folks.  “You never have to pay to participate in the president’s plan,” Donovan said.

Why do you think African Americans keep getting caught in these scams in such large numbers?
  

Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Analyst

Feb. 23, 2009 – The New York Post decided to offer an apology to those who may have been offended by the cartoon depicting the president as a monkey.  But the paper didn’t go far enough to say it’s sorry for the editorial decision to publish the cartoon in the first place.

That could be the reason why folks are still upset and continuing to call for a boycott of the paper and its advertisers.  Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of the NAACP called on The New York Post to fire the editor-in-chief Col Allan and the longtime cartoonist Sean Delonas.

Jealous speaking at the NAACP’s annual meeting in New York called the editorial “a half of an apology, without elaboration.”  The leader of the century-old civil rights organization said the cartoon “picks off the scabs of all the racial wounds.”

Jealous was joined in his outrage by the Rev. Al Sharpton and New York City Council member Letitia James (D-Brooklyn), who told reporters outside of the KISS FM radio headquarters that they also wanted to review the employment records of The Post because they want to determine if the newsroom staff represents diversity.

But that’s not all. James and Sharpton are starting an on-line petition drive to collect signatures that will be sent to the Federal Communications Commission calling to remove the waiver the paper enjoys, which allows the  parent company, News Corp., to run more than one media outlet in the area.  They run the local Fox television news station as well. 

“This is not the first time they [The Post] have denigrated people of color,” said James. “Now is the time to do it.”

NAACP officials told The Associated Press that if The Post does not take “serious disciplinary action,” they would reach out to organizations across the country to join them in their efforts against the tabloid.

A spokeswoman for the newspaper referred The Associated Press to the paper’s editorial about the cartoon, which said “a depiction of President Obama, as a thinly veiled expression of racism . . . most certainly was not its intent; to those who were offended by the image, we apologize.”
James and Sharpton said they will be staging a protest on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday.

Do you think the apology was sincere?