(Akiit.com) Over the last 40 years, America has failed to make significant progress on poverty, inequality, racial injustice and crime, according to a report that updates the 1968 report of the Kerner Commission, the bipartisan National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders.

In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Kerner Commission, convened to respond to a wave of riots that engulfed communities of color from 1963 to 1967, the Eisenhower Foundation published a report to update the commission’s 40-year-old findings. The foundation is a nonprofit group that continues the work of the National Advisory Commission.

The report revealed that 37 million Americans live in poverty and another 46 million Americans are without health insurance. While poverty among African-Americans has declined, poor African-Americans are three times as likely and poor Hispanics twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to live in deep poverty, half below the poverty line. Nearly 44 percent of Black female-headed households with children under 18 were impoverished in 2006.

The Kerner Commission found that unemployment and underemployment were the most prevalent causes of poverty.

Unemployment among Blacks has continued to be twice as high as Whites during each of the four decades since 1968. The employment prospects of the nation’s out-of-school 16-24 year old men have declined considerably since 2000. The problem is especially acute for young African-American men. Among high school dropouts aged 19, only 38 percent of African-Americans were employed compared to 67 percent of Whites.

There continues to be a stark disparity in the wealth gap between Whites and African-Americans. According to the report released Thursday, in terms of wealth, America is the most unequal country in the industrialized world. A recent Brookings Institution study on mobility found that 68 percent of Whites from middle-income families grew up to surpass their parents’ income in real terms. But that share was only 31 percent for middle-income African-Americans, demonstrating downward mobility.
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(Akiit.com) If you haven’t notice by now, everyone seems to want to be a super star… With cell phones, video cameras and more one is able to record themselves or others instantly… captioning that perfect picture or image is an art within itself… Still when one does finally get that masterpiece, it shall stand the test of time… So go ahead and have fun with your friends today…

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(Akiit.com) While strolling through the mall I couldn’t help but notice how many people are over weight… Yes, it’s becoming an epidemic as even small children are bigger then they used to be… Luckily sites like ConsumerPriceWatch list the top diet pills that are on the market… That means, there is hope for those who are looking to slim down… I for one stay in shape and love to exercise… I can only hope many people see the light, and start taking back self…

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(Akiit.com) As I watch Tiger Woods win another tournament, I could only get excited knowing in a few weeks once again I will be on the golf course… Playing 18 holes and all… I have also notice houses popping up all around the local country club, as Branson private golf and partners have created a new community… I can only dream of one day living in such a vibrant setting, but who knows… If you are one of many who plays golf and looking to live near a course do feel free to check out Branson Real Estate… View their listings, etc…

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(Akiit.com) Power to the people! Let’s get it on! No more debates - last one in Austin, Texas between Democratic candidates Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton; at times polite, contemptuous; especially Clinton’s swipe at Obama (reference Plagiarism) stating Obama represents “Change you can xerox!” - crowd booed! Obama was cool, confident, measured his words before speaking!

Last night’s debate in Ohio promised to be unpleasant, negative on Sistuh’ Hillary’s part; hopefully Obama didn’t fall for the trick game - the Sistuh’ is desperate!

Watch out girlfriend! The Obama freight train is roaring down the tracks across America, now to Texas and crisscrossing back to Ohio, and Super Tuesday on March 4. Another debate last night. Frankly speaking, I’ll be glad when the Democratic Convention begins in August and Obama wins the nomination of his party then let the debates begin between the Senator and Republican Presidential candidate Senator John McCain!

One can not overlook the Obama momentum that’s sweeping the country, cries of “Obama … Obama!” Young people especially have a stake in this country and their future, as well as those of us who have been voting, raising families, desire the American Dream of education, work, owning a home, white picket fence, and all that does with ownership.

9/11 turned this country around and the election of George Bush; we need positive change - hope - Obama will provide the healing needed to bring us together on so many fronts - a man cheered all over the world - the yellow, brown, black, white of all nationalities! Time for Hillary to get back to the Senate … I hear the Fat Lady singing!

Barack Obama’s run for the presidency leaves many in Black America perplexed; especially Black elected leaders in particular find themselves faced with a critical choice they have to make later this year; split between Hillary and Obama! This brings me to ask what is “The State of the Black Union?” And the Black Agenda? And Tavis Smiley?

Last Saturday Tavis Smiley, former host of the Tavis Smiley Show on National Public Radio (NPR) until he resigned December 24, currently heard on the Tom Joyner Show, once again during Black History Month, hosted the 9th Annual State of The Black Union forum held in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center, aired on C-SPAN, which has supported the event since inception. Invited were some of the top thinkers of Black America to participate in a day-long discussion entitled “Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future“. Participants, about 27, were divided in two sessions - morning and afternoon, moderated by Smiley.
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