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We Have A Lot To Lose

"We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors, people who built this country and its wealth while toiling, fighting, and dying for our collective freedom. To deny our history or surrender in the struggle for a more perfect union would dishonor their sacrifice. That is something we simply will not do." - We Have a Lot to Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century

During an August 2016 rally held in Dimondale, Michigan, then-Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump attempted to appeal to African-American voters. "What the hell do you have to lose?" he asked. His question unmasked his unawareness about the African American community. 

"It's his budget, it’s his policy, it's his rhetoric; all of these factors demonstrate what we stand to lose." - Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA-37)

Again, in a February 2017 press conference, the newly elected President further unmasked his unawareness about the African-American community. When American Urban Radio Network reporter April Ryan asked President Trump if he would meet with "the CBC," President Trump said, "Who?" When Ryan, who is African American, clarified her question by saying the "Congressional Black Caucus," President Trump said, "Do you want to set up the meeting? Are they friends of yours? Set up a meeting."

After a few weeks of back and forth with the White House, a meeting was scheduled for March 22, 2017. During the meeting, the Congressional Black Caucus answered the President’s campaign question in a 130-page policy document entitled, "We Have a Lot to Lose: Solutions to Advance Black families in the 21st Century." The document was hand-delivered to the President.  

 

"We Have A Lot to Lose" provides a comprehensive overview of persistent problems that have plagued African-Americans throughout history, as well as policy solutions supported by the CBC that would help address those problems.

Read the Document »

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