State of the Black Union 2006: Defining the Agenda

In the first panel of an afternoon session of State of the Black Union 2006 titled, “Defining the African American Agenda, Part II,” participants focused on the State of the Black Union 2005 proposal for a covenant with black America. Panelists discussed the challenges facing the black community, ideas proposed in the book, The Covenant with Black America, and future leadership within the black community. They also talked about the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast communities and the significance of poor federal response efforts to the disaster for future national policy. They also responded to questions submitted by members of the audience.

The Covenant with Black America, published by Third World Press, was edited by Tavis Smiley who moderated the panel. It outlines ten issues identified by the public: education, criminal justice system, police accountability, healthcare and well being, economic development and employment, housing and community development, partic close