At Wednesday night’s National Urban League Convention, President Barack Obama announced his new education initiative called the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. Representatives from the White House revealed that the executive order for the initiative will be signed Thursday. The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans seeks to continue programs that will help African American students succeed in the class room and beyond.
“That idea that everybody should have a fair shot, not just some — that this country is special because it has grown this magnificent middle class and has provided ladders of access for those striving to get into the middle class — that’s the idea that drove me. That’s the idea that has driven the Urban League, That idea that everyone should have equal opportunity — that’s what brought me to Chicago. That belief that this country works best when we are growing a strong middle class and prosperity is broad-based — that’s what led me into politics. And it is those values that have guided every decision that I have made as President of the United States.” – President Obama
The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans is just one of the many “firsts” President can add to his list. By using community and federal programs to ensure Black youth are prepared for college and the job market,President Obama is attempting to garner the “Black vote” and close the racially influenced education gap in this country.