On the recordFebruary 22, 2010
I rise this evening in commemoration of Black History Month as we celebrate and honor the tremendous achievements of African Americans. At no time in history has there been a greater need to rethink the role of government given the current socio-economic conditions of African Americans residing within disinvested communities wrought with: Poor performing schools that fail to provide African American children the math, science, and reading skills vital to securing jobs in today's global economy; Lack of access to sustainable and gainful employment to become productive members of society; and lastly, Lack of self-sufficiency of income and wealth to ensure the well-being of our children and our nation. In celebration of the resiliency of African Americans past and present, as the Chair of the Child Welfare Brain Trust, I am hosting a forum tomorrow examining the pathways out of poverty.
