Black men in America: The Obama effect

by Rhonda J Mangus | October 30, 2009 at 02:44 pm

693 views | 30 Recommendations | 10 comments

CNN, HLN and Essence Magazine are taking an unprecedented look at the effect President Obama has had on Black men in America.

One year after the historic election of President Barack Obama, CNN, HLN and Essence Magazine are taking an unprecedented look at his impact on black men in America. Obama has urged black men to take responsibility for their lives and families and he's called on all Americans to volunteer to help restore their communities.

In Emerging leaders energized in the black community, "The election of President Obama not only galvanized many to get involved, but it also further invigorated those already in the trenches."

By transforming his activism as a community organizer into a career as a superstar politician and ultimately commander-in-chief, Obama energized grassroots workers and imbued them with a sense of validation.

Leadership is a vital concept in the African-American community and has shaped its history.

Taking a leadership role is a personal responsibility, said Richard Lewis, one of the architects of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Chamber Connect program, which began two years ago "to identify, harvest and grow future leadership."

Lewis said he believes leadership comes about when desire meets hard work and a determination to succeed.

"People are waiting to be anointed," Lewis said. "They are waiting for somebody to empower them when really, if you see a problem and feel impassioned and believe you can contribute an answer, then you need to step up."

The Special Report with Richelle Carey and Don Lemon will air Saturday October 31 at 10 PM ET and Sunday, November 1 at 7 PM ET on CNN.

For HLN scheduling, click here, and for more coverage on the First Anniversary of President Obama's Election Visit, click on ESSENCE.com.

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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:57 on October 30th, 2009

Should be an interesting program to watch.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 16:15 on October 30th, 2009

I think so too, albertacowpoke. CNN seems to be doing a good job of covering Black and Latino America, I'm still waiting for "Gay in America".

Thanks for reading, commenting and for the rec:)!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 16:42 on October 30th, 2009

You;re welcome give it time or get a subscribtion to CBC Newsnet. They cover it all. Lots of Documentaries.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 16:47 on October 30th, 2009

That's a thought:)! However, I still think CNN needs to get on board with Gay in America:).

Thanks for stopping back!

Rhonda J Mangus

at 20:37 on October 30th, 2009

Thank you, Roy! Perhaps a lot of people would. I can tell you, however, that Essence Magazine is seeking the perspectives of Black Women on Black Men in the age of Obama.

t k kidwai

at 21:45 on October 30th, 2009

Its nice to know that people of African origin have been invigorated by Obama's success which has dismantled the wrong beleif that majority of white Americans are racists.

Obama may not succeed in bringing about the changes he promised in his pre-election speeches,but certainly one change is visible:assertion of African-American community with confidence fully restored.

Hugh Askew

at 01:08 on October 31st, 2009

Haven't noticed any difference in black-on-black violence where i'm at. Haven't noticed any difference in white-on-white violence where i'm at, either.

Net effect on violent crime: No change.

Just thought i would toss out an observation that is irrelevant, but still relevant.

Joe Mitchell (not verified)

at 20:04 on October 31st, 2009

The black men-The Obama effect, was a good start, you even brought to the conversation, the gay issue, ( about 1 min). I wonder why everytime the gay issue is raised in the black community, everybody can't wait until it's time for the next subject. I sometimes think that gay people are the last group, that blacks, no matter how grave their lives may be, can look down on. I guess we are the last minority.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 20:40 on October 31st, 2009

Joe Mitchell, thank you. One minute is better than nothing:) Nevertheless, I can't confirm or deny your statement that, "...everytime the gay issue is raised in the black community, everybody can't wait until it's time for the next subject."

But it does bring my attention to the matter that more could be written on the experience of what it means to be Black & Gay in America. So, I did a little research:

Living Out Loud with Darian, A blog that discusses a range of issues from an African-American gay male.

Min. Greg Allen (not verified)

at 20:55 on November 2nd, 2009

For what I caught of the report I thought that it was interesting and informative. It's crazy for people to think that President Obama is going to turn things around over night, he's going to have tremendous pressure just because he's black. He is not the cure all or the savior, Christ is! My prayer is that he will allow God to use him while he is in office in a positive way for us as a nation not just blacks. It's amazing that as a christian where we seem to be going now as a nation needing to be so sensitive to gays, and give them rights where it seems like we're going to become second class citizens for being straight and being gay is going to be the acceptable lifestyle. God loves the sinner not the sin, the Bible is clear that homosexuality is unnatural, men are not suppose to sleep with men. Thanks, Min. Greg Allen