The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Washington, DC – Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable Public Policy Network issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“Last night President Obama eloquently delivered a State of the Union Address that provided a blueprint to restore hope and opportunity for all Americans to not only dream the American dream, but to actually achieve it.”
“The President told us to imagine what America could accomplish as a nation if we followed the lead of our Armed Forces and work together. He said, ‘Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.’
“The blueprint the President offered is what we all should strive to provide for future generations. I know we can accomplish this vision because – like the President said – we have certainly done it before.
“But, it takes more than the President to see this vision through. It takes all of us working together including Congress, public, private and civic sectors; and people just like you and me.
“Today, I issue a challenge. Let’s take a look at our own lives and think about what we can contribute to “An America Built to Last.” We need to figure out how we can work together regardless of race, age, or political party to build a nation where there is equal pay for women, affordable high-speed broadband available to everyone, access to affordable healthcare for all, and education is valued as a human right for all children in our nation.
“Finally, to achieve this goal Americans must return to the days when they embraced strong family values and also learn to respect each other no matter what party, race, sex or religion.
“I issue this challenge because I know that a stronger America means a secure future for not just our country, but the world.”
