Many of President Obamas constituent's have expressed disappoinent in his presidency over the years. Particularly the African-American community. One major complaint is that he hasn't done enough for us. Particularly because of his reluctance to speak out on issues concerning people of color. At times he has almost seemed to make a conscious decision to avoid them altogether. But in his 5th year as president, in his last term there has been a noticeable shift in his willingness to speak out on issues, and introduce initiatives to benefit people of color. It started with his admission that most of his opposition was due to that fact that he is black, and then in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Obama, in a relatively rare explicit mention of the race-related goals of a policy, hinted at a planned educational initiative to benefit "young men of color."
"I'm reaching out to some of America's leading foundations and corporations on a new initiative to help more young men of color facing tough odds stay on track and reach their full potential," he said in remarks on efforts to offer hands-on training, give colleges incentives to offer better value and ensure that "no middle-class kid is priced out of a college education."
He did not offer any details on the nature of the partnerships.
"The bottom line is, Michelle and I want every child to have the same chance this country gave us," he said.
The mention of the initiative did not draw applause comparable to what the president's comments about workplace fairness for women received, but listeners took notice.
President Obama is beginning to show signs of becoming the commander and chief that people of color wanted, and at the same time he is becoming the commander and chief that most of America fears.
PR
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