Politics. On Point.

POTUS Facebook post on the passing of Maurice White. "Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Maurice White. With his brothers and bandmates of Earth, Wind and Fire, Maurice fused jazz, soul, funk and R&B into a quintessentially American sound that captured millions of fans around the world.  Their playlist is timeless, the one that still brings us together at birthdays and barbecues, weddings and family reunions. Only Maurice could make such sophisticated songs so catchy. Only he could inspire generations of such diverse artists. And only he could get everyone – old and young, black and white – to let the groove move them on the dance floor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maurice’s family, friends and bandmates.  He is the shining star in heaven   tonight ." Maurice White photo, courtesy of EarthWindandFire.com

Official visit continues the First Lady’s work engaging youth at home and abroad First Lady Michelle Obama announced that she will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana during an official visit to Africa from June 21 – 26 focused on youth leadership, education, health and wellness. The trip is a continuation of Mrs. Obama’s work to engage young people at home and abroad, from mentoring students in the United States and encouraging them to gain international experience, to encouraging young people to excel academically, serve, and lead during her visits to Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom.  Accompanying Mrs. Obama on this trip will be her mother, Mrs. Robinson and her daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. This visit to two critical countries will underscore that the United States has an important stake in the success of Africa's many nations and underscore the historic connections between the American people and tho...

We've tackled, and we've heard stories about this issue before.   Has President Obama done enough for the Black agenda?   Is President Obama Black enough?   Has the President forgotten about the African Americans who helped propel him into the White House? I can't help remember the answer Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius gave on 'Washington Watch' featuring Roland Martin when she was asked whether or not anything is being done specifically for African Americans to have better health care optiions.  [African Americans are reported as having the highest rate of certain kinds health care issues of any other race, and are also the least likely to receive the same quality health care treatment and options as whites.] Sebelius answered, "There are no provisions in place for African Americans in health care", and "No talks are on the table geared specifically for African Americans." Her answer has haunted me ev...

We missed this event, but was given a very noteworthy account of the evening by White House press pooler, Sophia Nelson.   Sophia writes: Vice President Biden [talked] about the importance of black history month as he reflected on everything from his recent meeting with young pre-teen African American football players at Ft. Campbell (who are the offspring of deployed Afghanistan and Iraq military warriors), to his becoming an attorney in 1968 just after the death of Dr. King (and the subsequent riots), and finally to his train ride with President-elect Barack H. Obama in January 2009 as the newly elected Vice President-elect to the nation's first ever black President. In prepared remarks that lasted approximately 8 minutes Vice President Biden stayed mostly clear of the politics of the day, except for noting at the outset that many of his friends in the Congressional Black Caucus could not attend because they were preparing for votes on the Continuing Resolution to...

During February's Black History Month, Americans from around the country will celebrate the creativity, determination, and progress that African Americans have made to our nation’s identity and culture. Throughout the month, Cabinet Members, Administration officials, and senior staff in the Obama administration will participate in events to highlight the various ways African Americans are winning the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competition. "During National African American History Month, we recognize the extraordinary achievements of African Americans and their essential role in shaping the story of America. In honor of their courage and contributions, let us resolve to carry forward together the promise of America for our children," -- President Obama’s National African American Heritage Month Proclamation . In addition to events, the White House will feature African Americans from agencies throughout the Administration tha...