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2004-2005 Broadcast Season
Broadcast Program Transcripts
Episode #2023
Black Leaders in Politics
Brown: Good evening and welcome to Black Issues Forum. I'm Natalie Bullock-Brown. If you are one of our regular viewers, you may notice we're not on our regular set. We're coming to you from the UNC-TV studio in the legislative building, located in the state's capitol. We're pleased to bring you this discussion for Black Issues Forum from the set of Legislative Week in Review. After years without a written plan to improve conditions for Black North Carolina, the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus has designed and released a written agenda under the leadership of the Caucus' new chair, representative Beverly Earl. The Caucus is an organization on of African-American members of the state legislature, founded to address the legislative concerns of African-Americans and other minority citizens. This group is distinct from the North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus, a group of concerned community activist, public officials, clergy and others working together statewide to seek equity for all black North Carolinians. The two groups are distinct from the Congressional Black Caucus, which is an organization of black members of the US House of Representatives. In addition to similar mission, the Legislative Black Caucus and the Black Leadership Caucus share the challenge of new leadership. Tonight we'll find out what these groups have outlined as strategies for taking black North Carolina into the future. And how, or if the groups plan to work together. We'll meet our studio guests in just a moment. But right now, a look at a conversation our producer Deborah Holt had with Representative Melvin Watts, who is the new chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Here is what Watts shared about the development of the CBC's agenda and reactions from his meeting with President George Bush.
Watts: We found when we started doing research that disparities exist in virtually every area of our lives. And so we kind of grouped things together into logical groupings: education, healthcare, economics, jobs and job opportunities, the economic side, justice, both criminal and civil justice, retirement security and foreign affairs. Those were the six areas that we framed and talked about disparities in. And as we kind of got further into the agenda I was sitting right beside the president, and all of a sudden, the impact of these disparities became so profound, I think, that I could here him visibly, or audibly expressing himself. It was almost like he was being socked in the stomach over and over again. And so we knew he was listening. And then the question became, "You've heard us. There is no question about that. Are you going to do anything about it?"
Holt: What are the specific legislative changes that you proposed in your agenda?
Watts: Well, we've had, for the last several terms of congress a specific bill that would address health disparities, for example. There are some specific pieces of legislation that have been generated in the Judiciary Committee that focus a lot more attention of prevention and rehabilitation and less on incarceration where are just increasing the number of people in jail. We want to do some work on getting TRIO and Gear Up and some of the education programs back in to play that the president has proposed to eliminate.
Holt: It appears that the CBC has not received the type of recognition and support from the president that you are seeking. What now?
Watts: I think a lot of that has to do with what the follow up is. We have not scheduled another meeting. We have not been invited back yet. But I'm still hopeful that we'll have regular dialogue with the president and with all the leadership in the house and the senate to talk about our agenda. I don't want to just have dialogue for the sake of dialogue if it is not about the Congressional Black Caucus' agenda then I'm not sure what the meeting would be about. If it is about the president's agenda, then I think it is incumbent on him to go to all 43 individual members of the Congressional Black Caucus and deliver his agenda. When we come to him, it is really about meeting about the Congressional Black Caucus agenda.
Brown: And now I'd like to introduce our guests. First is Representative Beverly Earl, democrat from Mecklenburg County and chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. We also have Carnell Robinson, a retired educator and now chair of the North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus. We also have with us Keith Sutton, president of the Triangle Urban League, a non-profit, non-partisan community-based organization. Welcome to all of you.
Group: Thank you.
Brown: I want to start with Representative Earl. We just heard Representative Watts speak of the Congressional Black Caucus' agenda. If you would, outline the Legislative Black Caucus' agenda, and talk about the similarities. I'm sure that there are some that are national in scope, but that also meet North Carolina's needs.
Earl: First I want to say thank you for having us and for bringing this forward. We are pleased to have the opportunity publicly express our agenda. And we do have an agenda, and it is very similar to the Congressional Black Caucus. One of our number one priorities was the death penalty moratorium. We felt that that was very, very important. We also want to look at heath disparities and access to healthcare. Payday lending-some of these issues we've already kind of touched on. Minimum wage. We certainly want to increase it. We're looking at hopefully increasing the minimum wage at least by a dollar. And we wanted to deal with No Child Left Behind and alternative schools. What do you do with kids when they are expelled from school for any period of time? What are you going to do with that? Our minority contractors and how they are dealt with as it relates to state government. We had probably about 10 or 12 items that we want to focus on. And as I said, some of them we have already started to deal with, but we've got some others that we will hopefully take up and bring some attention to.
Brown: Thank you. Mr. Robinson, I know your organization, the Black Leadership Caucus also is concerned about some issues related to education, and some of the specific things that Representative Earl spoke of. Talk a little bit about what you guys are focusing on.
Robinson: The North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus released its agenda in August of 2003. And just like the agenda from the national caucus, they deal with the quality of life issues which impact black people and poor people in North Carolina. Our issues were, of course, support for the moratorium, minority contracting and economic inclusion across state government. Those were biggies. And we certainly have addressed the healthcare disparities. We released our healthcare positions in August of 2004 and are seeking ways to work with the Legislative Black Caucus, the Urban League, the NAACP and other grassroots organizations to in fact inform the public about these quality of life issues. And we are trying to create some grassroots support so that not only are we looking to our black legislators to take care of these issues impacting our community, but we also want to influence those other legislators where we have influence in districts.
Brown: Specifically what is the Urban League interested in trying to achieve agenda-wise in regards to education? How does it fall into line with what Representative Earl and Mr. Robinson have spoken about?
Sutton: Particularly for education, we want to see funding for under funded and under performing schools, particularly with respect to the Leandro Decision from Judge Manning, and that funds be put into place to help those historically under funded schools. Again, Representative Earl talked about the suspension and expulsions issue, and so again, looking at again, safe alternative options. But also to provide opportunities for kids that are suspended or expelled an opportunity at a sound, basic education as well. And the other issues that we've also been involved in include the lottery, and some suggestions about what we think should be done with that. And also the budget and some other issues.
Brown: Since you mentioned the lottery, what specifically has the Urban League been thinking about? What has been your position on the lottery?
Sutton: Opposition. In our agenda, which was released earlier this year at the beginning of the session, was that we had hoped to see the lottery go to a vote in terms of a public referendum. Obviously that did not happen. It is sort of tucked in the budget bill or dealt with directly by the house and the senate. In terms of that, we know that revenue is certainly needed for the state, and the options to generate additional revenue are pretty slim. We don't exactly agree with the position that it is a regressive tax on poor people. We are very open to seeing what types of things can be done and we would at least like to see some specific provisions put into the legislation, however it takes shape, that speak to where it should go specifically in terms of education, scholarship and again, helping under funded schools.
Brown: Representative Earl, what is the position of the Legislative Black Caucus on the lottery?
Earl: We support the lottery. Right now we are dealing with the budget, of course. And the senate put some provisions in their budget directing where the money would be spent and how it would be used. There are some differences with the house and the senate on that issue. But the Caucus has come out in full support of the lottery.
Brown: Mr. Robinson, I know that the Black Leadership Caucus tries to deal with issues of quality of life. And in regards to the lottery, one of the things that I've heard as a criticism is that it will somehow encourage bad habits among some of the state's citizens. What would you say in regards to the lottery? Does the Black Leadership Caucus support the lottery?
Robinson: The Black Leadership Caucus went on record in 2004 opposing the lottery. We opposed the lottery not based on moral grounds. Our position is that there is no such thing as an educational lottery. In most states surrounding us, they have sold their lotteries to their people based on it being extra funding for education. They still have issues with funding. The other thing is that we are awfully concerned that if, and it appears that we may get a lottery, that there are no mandatory requirements for economic inclusion. We are afraid that poor folks and black folks in particular are simply going to be playing the lottery, but not necessarily involved in the economic side of it. And if we're going to have a lottery, then I think this is one place where we can expand opportunities.
Brown: Any response to Mr. Robinson?
Sutton: I think what he said was key in terms of the funding piece. Our concern was that if a lottery is put in place that we don't see a lessening of the money set aside in the budget for education, and the state does not become solely dependent upon revenues from a lottery to fund education. If we're putting in dollars for education at X amount, then we need to continue doing that and let the lottery revenues supplement that funding.
Brown: Let me stay with you-I'm sorry, Representative Earl you had a comment?
Earl: I just wanted to say that it is certainly not the intent of the legislature to supplant funding. And I do think that we need the additional funding to help out with capital. I think Georgia has done an excellent job with their scholarship program. And so I think we've definitely needed it, and given all the states around us have it. And they seem, in my opinion, to be benefiting from it. It is not the intent to supplant or to cut back. It's that we just don't have enough money to do everything that we need to do.
Brown: It seems like a viable option.
Earl: Certainly.
Brown: I will give it to you Mr. Robinson, but I just want to move on to healthcare, because that is of particular importance not only in North Carolina, but across the nation. Representative Earl, you mentioned healthcare as one of the issues on the Legislative Black Caucus' agenda. What are the priorities as far as you caucus is concerned?
Earl: We just want to look at the overall health disparities and minorities not having access to healthcare. I want to take this opportunity to say that many of the Black Caucus members are in key leadership positions in the house and in the senate. And so that gives us an advantage and some opportunities to do some things. In the budget right now, I'm one of the chairs of appropriations, so I'm in a position to put some funding in some needed places. And right now we have put $5 million that will address health disparities in certain disease areas.
Brown: Can you elaborate on that? How will that money be spent specifically?
Earl: It will go to the Department of Health and Human Services. We don't have all the guidelines yet, but we have earmarked $5 million. And then we have earmarked $1 million to go to HIV and AIDS for drugs. And the federal government is getting ready to put some caps and some limitations on it. Our money and funds may be limited coming from the feds. That may mean to cut some people off. We are in a position to do some things as it relates to health. And just being in some key positions will help us to be able to monitor and to see that we have an impact on issues when we think we need to.
Brown: Mr. Robinson, what is your organization trying to do as far as healthcare and health disparities are concerned?
Robinson: With regard to healthcare and health disparities, we're tying to raise the awareness level. And one of the things-we're awfully glad with what the general assembly is doing. We are concerned with any cuts in Medicare, or any reduction in the number of children who are insured under that state program. And one of the things that is most important to us is that there be funding for these rural health clinics. I think the house has gone back and put that in. These are the federally approved health clinics which give access. And that issue is always paramount as it relates to poor people and healthcare. If you don't have access, and many of our physicians are no longer wanting to take patients who are Medicare or Medicaid. They try to limit that. We've got to do everything on the funding end, and try to influence the general assembly, and not to cut any of that.
Brown: The health issue is a complicated one. Another complicated issue is the moratorium on the death penalty and issues of justice. Mr. Sutton, I'm wondering what sort of things the Urban League is trying to do to work in those areas.
Sutton: We were also big supporters of the moratorium. And obviously we were very disappointed that a moratorium didn't happen. As a result we still support the study which is being proposed at this time to look at how the death penalty is being administered across the state. Obviously, there have been some cases where people have been found innocent that were at one time or another found to be guilty. And if we can save just one life, we think it is important.
Earl: I would like to say too that I was very disappointed that we did not get the numbers that we needed, especially among our democratic colleagues. I just can't understand why people would not want to put a hold. It does not mean that we are going to do away with the death penalty or anything like that. It just means that we wanted to put a hold on it while we studied this issue. And it is has been looked at and determined that there have been some issues that were just not quite right. I'm very disappointed that it didn't happen. We have got a substitution, if you will. And it doesn't go as far, but I think we have the votes to pass it. I was convinced in the very beginning that it was next to nothing, but I've since been convinced that by some of the attorneys-African-American attorneys that I respect, that it is worth moving forward with it. It will do something. I think we've got enough votes to pass it.
Brown: Let me stay with you for a moment and inquire what do you think was behind the fact that the moratorium did not pass? Was it a lack of understanding among the members that were to vote on this? Or do you think it was just disagreement in whether or not it was something that was worthwhile doing.
Earl: I think it may have been a couple of issues. There are a couple of members there that had had tragic situations in their past with immediate family members. And they were opposed to it even though this was not doing away with the death penalty or anything like that. And then I think some other members may have been getting pressure. You know, they were maybe from more conservative areas, and they were getting pressure. I think it was a combination of those factors. And I think maybe we might have had eight or ten members that would not support it.
Sutton: And I think there was some misunderstanding early on. It was often referred to as a moratorium on the death penalty, but it was a moratorium on executions.
Brown: For a limited period of time.
Sutton: For a limited period of time, right. And I think some people thought this was a move towards eventually doing away with the death penalty. Again, we were only looking at a moratorium on the executions themselves and not the death penalty. I think there was some politics and misunderstanding that played into as well.
Robinson: One of the things that concerns us, and we're awfully disappointed with the compromise. We favored the moratorium and a stay on execution during that two year period. And we would restate our challenge to the governor to go ahead and create that moratorium by executive order. To simply study that issue, we already have the statistics that show that we have a flawed system. We have the people who have but for the Grace of God managed to survive. We can't afford to execute one innocent person in North Carolina. And the current system does not protect poor folks, black folks or people who don't have the wherewithal to navigate that system. We still need a stay on the executions.
Brown: I want to move on to talk about what sort of things your organizations, in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus, I'm sure there are opportunities to interface with them as well. How can the three organizations that are represented here today work together to achieve some of the goals that you have for the various issues that you've spoken about. Mr. Sutton I'll start with you.
Sutton: Back in April we had a National Legislator Policy Conference in DC. And we have a national legislative agenda, as well as a state one here. There were a couple of things on that agenda that are very similar. The health disparities piece was one as Congressman Watts indicated. They are the same regardless of what state you are in, in terms of blacks having the highest rate of death and stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and all these kinds of things. That was one thing. Raising the minimum wage and also was part of our national agenda as Representative Earl talked about the failed efforts to raise the minimum wage here in North Carolina. I certainly think those two issues would be ones that we can partner on and use our influence both at the state and national levels to move those agendas forward.
Brown: Representative Earl, we have a little bit of time, but how can the three of you, since you are the heads of your respective organizations, what can you do move some of these agenda items along?
Earl: I think certainly there is plenty of opportunity to work together. We all have the same agenda. We are concerned about the same population of folks here in North Carolina. I think there is great opportunity for us to work together on these issues. And I see that we will certainly be doing that, as we move on-as we move past the budget. We've been kind of consumed, you know, right now. But there is plenty of opportunity, I think, for us to get together and focus on these issues.
Brown: I've got to thank all of you for being with us today. I'm sorry we've run out of time, but if you'd like to get in touch with our guests or obtain a copy or a transcript of tonight's show, visit us online at unctv.org/bif. And when you visit, be sure to give us your comments and program suggestions. You can also call us on the BIF line at 919-549-7167. Join us each and every Friday night at 9:30 p.m. for more stimulating discussion. For Black Issues Forum, I'm Natalie Bullock-Brown, reminding you to be encouraged no matter what. Good night.
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Voiceover: Funding for this program is made possible in part by UNC-TV members.
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