Democratic Presidential Candidates to Discuss the Covenant with Black America

Eight Democratic Presidential Candidates will meet on the campus of the esteemed historically black college, Howard University in Washington D.C. for a forum moderated by PBS talk show host Tavis Smiley. The forum will be broadcast live on PBS June 28 from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern.

Smiley along with journalist Michel Martin a host and reporter for National Public Radio, Ruben Navarrete JR., a member of the editorial board of The San Diego Union-Tribune and USA Today columnist DeWayne Wickham will ask questions regarding the Covenant With Black American and issues that affect all Americans.

Number 1 New York Times bestseller The Covenant with Black America addresses the concerns of African Americans that include health, housing, criminal justice, economic issues and education. This event following on the heels of the continued problems and relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina and the newly Don Imus "Nappy Headed Ho's" racially charged comment is important for all Americans to watch, not just the African American community. This is a time when we as Americans have to come together and have an open dialogue about the issues going on within our nation.

Senator Joe Biden, Governor Bill Richardson, Senator John Edwards, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Senator Mike Gravel and Senator Christopher Dodd have all confirmed their participation in the forum.

According to the PBS press release:

"The PBS Democratic Forum will be simultaneously webcast on PBS.org, and video of both events will be archived for download and viewing on the Web site. The Web site (pbs.org/tavissmiley) will include additional coverage of the presidential candidates and their positions on key issues of the campaign, including past interviews, backgrounders, viewer polls and a forum blog and election resources. Visitors will be able to submit their own questions for the candidates, read commentary and share their own opinions."

"The Forums will give voice to vital questions the American public wants to have answered in this crucial election process," said John Boland, PBS chief content officer. "Kicking off an ambitious line-up of content on multiple platforms for PBS Election 2008, we are proud to help facilitate this important dialogue, which truly represents the mission of public broadcasting."

Also, make a note that on September 28 the Republican candidates will have an opportunity to address the same issues from the campus of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Details will be released soon.

Source: PBS.org