Is President Clinton's new initiative on race, "One America in the twenty-first century," designed to bring racially disparate communities together through dialogue and action, a good way of attempting to overcome intolerance in this country?
"Report To The President From Advisory Board: Excerpts," One America in the 21st Century: Forging a New Future Board members have spent the last 15 months seeking ways to build a more united and just America. Board meetings focused on the role race plays in civil rights enforcement, education, poverty, employment, housing, stereotyping, the administration of justice, health care, and immigration. This Report is an account of the Board's experiences and impressions and includes all of the recommendations for action submitted by the Board to the President following its formal meetings.
The Board made the following recommendations:
Improve data collection on racial and ethnic discrimination.
Strengthen laws and enforcement against hate crimes.
Examine income inequality.
Use the current economic boom to provide necessary job training and to increase the minimum wage.
Provide a higher minimum wage for low-wage workers and their families.
Hold a Presidential event to discuss stereotypes.
Institutionalize the Administration's promotion of racial dialogue.
Convene a high level meeting on the problem of racial stereotypes with leaders from the media.
Promote comprehensive efforts to keep young people out of the criminal justice system.
Suggestions for the continuation of the Initiative to complete the work already begun. The following elements are the most critical in developing a meaningful long-term strategy to advance race relations in the 21st century:
A President's Council for One America. This year's effort has been vital in laying the foundation for the larger task that lies ahead. The creation of a President's Council for One America speaks to the need for a long-term strategy dedicated to building on the vision of one America. Its main function would be to coordinate and monitor the implementation of policies designed to increase opportunity and eliminate racial disparities.
A public education program using a multimedia approach. A public education program could assist in keeping the American public informed on the facts about race in America, pay tribute to the different racial and ethnic backgrounds of Americans, and emphasize and highlight the common values we share as a racially diverse Nation.
A Presidential "call to action" of leaders often sectors of our society. A call to action should come from the President to leaders in State and local government and private sector organizations to address the racial and ethnic divides in their communities. Public/private partnerships can demonstrate leadership by working collaboratively to make racial reconciliation a reality in all communities across America.
A focus on youth. Young Americans are this Nation's greatest hope for realizing the goal of one America. Young people must be engaged in efforts to bridge racial divides and promote racial reconciliation. Organizations and groups that encourage the development of youth leaders must be supported.
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