Thursday, May 28, 2009

Dr Boyce: The Truth About Obama and HBCU Funding

by Dr Boyce Watkins

www.BoyceWatkins.com

I have a mixed relationship with President Barack Obama. I was one of the first to endorse President Obama on CNN, back when it looked like he was destined to be nothing more than Hillary Clinton's political footnote. I have always been overly optimistic about black presidential candidates, for I support them even when it doesn't appear that they have a chance to win the election. Call me hyper-optimistic, but I was even ready to vote for Al Sharpton.

While I have supported Obama, I have never been afraid to challenge him. For example, his statements about black male fathers on Father's Day 2008 was, in my opinion, nothing more than inappropriate pandering to racist stereotypes of black male irresponsibility. I have never seen him give such a condescending speech to other ethnic groups. As a father who does his best to love his children, I will never forgive that speech.

But in the case of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we may all be mistaken about President Obama. Recent reports stating that Obama allowed forsignificant funding cuts for Historically Black Colleges and Universities may have been a bit misguided. When you look at the facts, it appears that Obama did not cut funding for HBCUs at all.

Continue reading Bottom Line with Dr. Boyce: Did Barack Obama REALLY Cut HBCU Funding?

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