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I think that the issue that faces African-American leaders in the next generation is how do they respond to challenges that they are a single-issue candidate. In other words, are they running for office to represent only the African-American community. How do they overcome that impression? Barack Obama has been criticized for not being "Black enough". That is a vestige of the old style politics where ethnic candidates were seen as rising to power and prominence based on the support of their ethnic group, with the expectation that they will help improve the conditions of that group. In today's society African-American communities still face challenges ... many similar to those faced by other communities. A voice for that community is still needed. Can an African-American candidate wear both hats?

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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Young people like those who participate in LISTOS and OCHA are part of the next generation of Americans. If we do not provide avenues for success for them, then the future of the country is less then what it could be had we given them these chances. Many of them have made mistakes and organizations, particularly alternative schools like Listos, Open Meadows, the Youth Employment Institute and others provide them a second chance to do something great. As a society we should value the services these organizations provide and support them. With the Latino populations growing as fast as it is, it is in the country's best interest that culturally specific entities like LISTO continue. The lost of it we surely be felt in the years to come. It truly saddens me.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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