Thursday, September 14, 2006

Black Politicians Representing Diverse Districts

Interesting BlackPressUSA.com article from several days ago. This reflects a growing trend towards serious maturity for the African American body politic - there are pros and cons:

While some view that trend as progress, others worry that the Black community may lose clout in the process.“As districts begin to reflect a broader, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic orientation, the leadership, in order to get elected, begins to reflect both political realities. And there are consequences, “ says U. S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.). “The consequences include less emphasis on programs that directly or proportionately affect African-Americans. We start talking about programs that affect all Americans. I’m not saying that’s necessarily a bad idea because it requires leadership to talk about issues that reflect all Americans. But Black folk have got some real needs out here that need to be addressed.”