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54 Ways to Say "I Love You" In Africa
This year, the annual 'State of Black America' report from the National Urban League delivers a message to President Obama: We are behind you, but don't expect a free pass from us.
Calling these the "best of times and the worst of times" for black America, the 2009 report says the bad economic times are hitting African Americans disproportionately.
None of this should come as a surprise to black folks. ...
But what makes this report somewhat enlightening is that it attempts to put some statistical underpinnings to what we all know.
Called the National Urban League's Equality Index, the measurement is a statistical gauge of the disparities between blacks and whites across five categories: economics, education, health, civic engagement and social justice.
According to the report, between 2003 and 2007 the poverty rate and home ownership rate declined for blacks but increased for whites. Even as both groups made progress in educational attainment, the progress was slower for blacks.
National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said in the report that Obama's election doesn't mean that the fight for civil rights is won.
"Instead, it's more important than ever that the National Urban League and other organizations and individuals committed to positive change work even harder to lift up our communities and move this country forward," Morial said.
It's a legitimate, but simplistic point. Did anyone ever say Obama's election meant the fight for civil rights was over?
Comments: (11)
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By: All Winners LOVE Winners on 4/02/2009 1:01PM
This Blog created Yesterday at 10:00:
Had a WONDERFUL Time at an Urban League Event in 2005.
Mr Morial looked Great in Person.
Jonnetta Cole as well.
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By: Southerner on 4/02/2009 2:07PM
I do not think it is fair to expect immediate "Racial Equality" in America from President Obama. These issues have exsisted for hundreds of years; how can we expect President Obama to solve them in two and a half months. He was not just elected by African-Americans only and he is inheriting eight years of "Bushanomics". And I would like to say as a professional Social Worker that if the Urban League is concerned about the "plight" of Africa-Americans in this County why are you paying your Administration staff and CEO's over 100,000.00 a year, that money could be better off serving your clients.
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By: we all have our cross to bare on 4/05/2009 10:04AM
Here's an idea, South Africa is run by and inhabited by Blacks and aren't they doing just a swell job running the country? The whites have left so no problems with them. I bet the Blacks there would treat you with the respect you so richly deserve. Im sure the corruption , Aids epidemic and lack of clean water or food would be minor inconveniences compared to the harsh treatment you receive in the USA. I know some people who will gladly buy you a one way ticket away from this racist country , that wants you to obey the laws and earn the things you get , One Requirement though , you must take that chip on your shoulder with you.
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By: Tired of Poor ME attitude on 4/03/2009 3:55PM
You don't need to go all the way to South Africa for all that. You can go to D.C. Mostly Black population, Run by Blacks, High Murder Rate and AIDS rate that rivals anywhere in Africa. Drop out rate is out of sight and the unwed birth rate is over 70%. Economics are the least of the communities worries. Get an education and the Economics will improve on it's own.
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By: My Name is Not Susan on 4/02/2009 2:10PM
Um....in all of the speeches and interviews Mr. Obama has given around the globe, I have never heard him ask for a free pass from any of these outdated segregationalist organizations. He is president of all America, not just those few served by the Urban League. It took more than the support of blacks to get him where he is, and it will take more to keep him there. Black people are always crying "racism" or "unfair treatment", then when one of their own gets a chance, they act like crabs in a barrel. What do you want????
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By: Jessie on 4/02/2009 3:38PM
"According to the report, between 2003 and 2007 the poverty rate and home ownership rate declined for blacks but increased for whites." Poor Paul. He's always looking for something without checking things out fully or he is quite misleading. The facts are that total dollars loaned to Hispanics for home purchases almost _octupled_ between 1999 and 2006 (up 691% according to the federal Home Mortgage Disclosure Act). (Dollars for home purchases going to whites was doubled.) Lending to blacks quintupled. Minorities accounted for half of subprime dollars in 2004-2007. Now if the difference after 2006 has to do with the economy and the banks stopping subprime lending to really unqualified buyers then that's understandable. But what exactly does Paul's statement mean? He's trying to complain about the poverty rate for blacks declining as it increased for whites? Confusing isn't he? Sometimes I wonder if Paul actually proofs his own articles.
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By: Lisa on 4/02/2009 4:31PM
The best of times and the worst of times??? give me a break - is anything ever good enough.
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By: Black Moses on 4/02/2009 4:43PM
Just like the Urban League (and the NAACP) to be be late again. They were so busy fawning over Booker T. Obama that they failed in their mission again. I saw through Booker T. Obama when he threw Rev. Jeremiah wRIGHT and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan under the bus to satisfy his jewish handlers. Some form of Black nationalism is and always has been the answer. I am sick and tired of been on the losing team. These christian based organization have failed us miserably.
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By: tom on 4/02/2009 8:58PM
when are we going to get a WHITE SPIN
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By: BERNICE on 4/04/2009 4:12PM
I AGREE THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA IS NOT JUST THE PRESIDENT FOR BLACK PEOPLE BUT OF ALL AMERICA. THE URBAN LEAGUE SHOULD CONCENTRATE IN STOPPING ALL OF THIS BLACK ON BLACK CRIME AND THEN OUR COMMUNITY WILL HAVE HAD A GREAT SERVICE AND IMMEASUREABLE PROGRESS. PRESIDENT OBAMA IS JUST TRYING TO STRAIGHTEN OUT A BIG MESS THAT HE INHERITED WHEN HE TOOK OFFICE.
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