CNN Special "Black in America"

I was VERY impressed with the CNN special "Black in America" that was televised on Sunday night. Soledad O'brien hosted a panel of various, high profile back men and women as they tackled a variety of issues that affect the black community.

It was a 90 minute show that touched on topics like the high school drop out rates, HIV, marriage, "baby daddy", education, the church, economic empowerment, etc. The panel dealt with these issues that plague the black community. A variety of solutions were offered, some I agree with, a few I didnt agree with. Regardless, the messages were well presented and articulated in a manner that made me willing to reconsider previous positions I held to.

That was probably the most "healthiest debate" I've ever run across in quite some time. Definitely gave me some things to think about. Time will tell what I'll feel when the processing is done.

It was really refreshing to listen to a high quality panel discuss all of that, without having to hear about how everything is the white man's fault. I am more than willing to engage in a healthy debate, discussing what happened a long time ago, why did it happen, what could have been done to prevent it from happening.

Sure the federal government needs to do more to invest in education and safety in the streets. Also, social programs that deal with encouraging family stability, bringing the father into the equation. Giving the father job training..............However what I also heard was that the panelists on stage encouraging their brothas and sisters to take the initiative and work together to lift themselves out of a life of poverty. Women, needing to make a better choice on the kind of man they casually hook up with.

I watched the whole 90 minutes. On Wednesday and thursday there will be 2 more CNN black in america specials starting at 9pm eastern, 6pm pacific. Wednesday deals with black women and their issues. Thursday deals with black men and their issues.

Should be interesting.

Before I go, my hope is that this posting didnt offend anyone. I tried to be as positive as I could, and point out all the good that came from watching this.