If we are to address seriously the economic devastation in black communities across the nation, we have to put aside, once and for all, the idea that President Obama has a special obligation to African-Americans.
Obama has said repeatedly that he can’t be the president of black America; he is the president of all Americans. We should take him at his word.
But to be president of all Americans involves recognizing the extraordinary differences that make up our nation. These differences are not only cultural, racial and ethnic; they also involve differences in quality of life and in access to opportunity — disparities that have long histories in the United States.
Douglas Massey and Nancy Denton’s classic work, “American Apartheid,” charts this history in the housing sector. And William Julius Wilson’s important books, especially “When Work Disappears,” give us a sense of the complexities surrounding black communities and unemployment.
To read this article in its entirety visit CNN.
Eddie S. Glaude Jr. is an author and the William S. Tod professor of religion and chairman of the Center for African American Studies at Princeton University. His latest book is “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America.”
Sphere: Related Content
Related Posts
In a CNN.com article, James Carville warns the White House that the president's approach isn't working.
WATCH:
READ MORE
President Obama stumps for his jobs bill in Raleigh, North Carolina, saying some in Congress are "purposely divided."
WATCH:
READ MORE
Source: CNN
Washington - President Barack Obama will take to the Rose Garden on Monday to make a pitch for his ...
READ MORE
Source: CNN
FBI agents on Thursday were searching the offices of a California solar energy company touted by President Barack Obama ...
READ MORE
Jessica Yellin reports the plan includes cuts in payroll taxes and increases in unemployment insurance.
WATCH:
READ MORE
Source: CNN
Washington - Top House Republicans objected Wednesday to President Barack Obama's sudden request to deliver an economic address to ...
READ MORE
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Source: CNN
Washington - President Barack Obama requested time Wednesday ...
READ MORE
Roland Martin and Terry Holt join Wolf Blitzer in the Situation Room to discuss Rep. Maxine Waters' comments about African-American ...
READ MORE
Source: CNN
Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California, questioned why President Barack Obama has not visited any black communities during his recent Midwestern ...
READ MORE
Source: CNN
Peosta, Iowa - President Barack Obama was largely dismissive of the Republican presidential field Tuesday, claiming that he's not ...
READ MORE
James Carville To White House: Panic (VIDEO)
President Obama: ‘This Isn’t About Me’ (VIDEO)
President Obama To Submit His Jobs Plan To
FBI Searches Bankrupt Solar Energy Company Touted By
President Obama To Unveil $300 Billion Jobs Plan
Dispute Erupts Over Timing Of President Obama’s Address
President Obama Set To Deliver September 7 Economic
Black Lawmakers Afraid To Criticize POTUS In Fear
Waters: Some Black Lawmakers Are Hesitant To Criticize
President Obama: I’ll Be Ready For GOP In
If we are to address seriously the economic devastation in black communities across the nation, we have to put aside, once and for all, the idea that President Obama has a special obligation to African-Americans.
