As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Barbara Lee, who represents northern California's 9th District, leads one of the nation's most prominent African-American instruments for social change. On Monday she released a memo in which she encouraged America and the media to revamp how they discuss race and racism, and called the phrase "national dialogue about race" a cliché.
Lee's words come in the lead-up to the 40th annual CBC Legislative Conference. Over four days, CBC members will engage with colleagues like Education Secretary Arne Duncan, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in seeking policy solutions that will benefit the nation's many struggling African Americans.
The Root: You recently put forth a call asking for "proper context" in America's dialogue on race. What did you mean by that?
Rep. Barbara Lee: First of all, I think we have to face the fact that issues of race can no longer be swept under the rug. We also must have a dialogue and discussion about race and racism, and the unfinished business of America. What's most important, I think, is that we look at the present-day disparities, which have historically been part of the economic instability in the African-American community.
As a member of Congress, and as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, [I feel] it's up to me -- and others -- to really look at how race plays into public policy, especially when talking about the criminal justice system, education, health disparities, employment. Look at all the glaring inequities -- race is a factor, and we have to look at how we're going to close those disparities. It can't just be a policy agenda; it also has to be my agenda. And to really work on that, we must continue the dialogue about race and racism and come to grips with the racial divide.
TR: You've said that the media "bears significant responsibility for the sensationalized and superficial moments that too often constitute America's conversations about race." What can the media do to improve its coverage of racial issues?
BL: I think the media has to become responsible and talk about race as a factor in this country's disparities. The media needs to report on health disparities -- the reasons African Americans are disproportionately impacted by diabetes, hypertension and prostate cancer. Why are these disparities so prevalent in the black and Latino communities?
Why is the unemployment rate for the black community twice the national average? What is it historically and currently that allowed this to happen? And I think that when people do that and report that, you will begin to look at what has happened in terms of the chronically unemployed -- the majority are African Americans.
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Rep. Barbara Lee on Race in America: the nation must address disparities in education, employment, health and...
Barry KendallRep. Barbara Lee on Race in America: the nation must address disparities in education, employment, health and...
rhodeislanderSince when have these issues been "swept under the rug"? These issues are on top - or rather - SUPPOSED to be on top - of the CBC's agenda for the past couple of decades. The fact that they've been in office so long while barely making traction on any of these issues may suggest more about the quality of their work and ideas than society trying to sweep something under the rug.
I actually agree that this perspective of race as traditionally presented by the CBC and other black leaders still applies today. However, I'm disappointed by how unimaginative and tired sounding Rep. Lee's response is here. It offers nothing new and won't change anyone's mind.
steelecalDear Mr. President,
I write this letter with all due respect to yourself, as well as the
office of the presidency. As of last month, black unemployment rose to an astonishing 16.3
percent. This was .7 percent higher than the previous month, with the
increase being 700 percent higher than the rise in unemployment for
white Americans. Additionally, black teen unemployment is now over 45
percent, compared to just 23 percent for white teens. In addition to
massive unemployment, wealth inequality in America remains a
persistent problem, causing African Americans to bear the brunt of
this economic crisis in ways that are unimaginable to other Americans.
Our homes are facing foreclosure more often and we are less able to
rely on a source of background wealth to help us get through the
toughest times. To this point, your administration has remained disturbingly silent on
the issue of black unemployment. The silence is deafening, but the
economic hardship is loud and clear. I am concerned that many of your
key economic advisors are unable or unwilling to process and empathize
with the depths of black economic misery in America. In fact, I have yet to hear the words "black man" or
"black woman" come out of your mouth in the year 2010.
Most of us are appreciative of the difficulties of being the first
black president. Many black Americans feel abandoned in their suffering and are
only comforted by the symbolism of having a black president in the
Oval Office.
I, for one, am glad that I supported you for president. While some
members of your cabinet might believe that black political support can
be taken for granted, I am not sure if that's the case. Right now, hope has nearly diminished and not very much has changed in our households. We know you can't do it all on your own,
but I'd love to at least see you try a little bit harder.
I also ask that there be targeted economic policies created to deal with the
consistent problem of chronic unemployment among black teens and the
rest of the African American community. The passage of stronger urban
jobs bills, along with opening the door for additional government
contracts for African American companies can go a long way toward
helping to alleviate the pressure being felt right now. The disease of
black unemployment is one that must be treated and cannot be ignored,
for it undermines community safety and deteriorates the core of the
African American family. The election of our first
black president should be a step forward for our community, but at
this point, it appears to be a political trade off. I am hopeful we
can do better than that.
The Root Interview: Rep. Barbara Lee on Race in America
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