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Democratic presidential candidates addressed issues pertinent to the black-American community Thursday night at the All-American Presidential Forum, which aired on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Moderated by Tavis Smiley, author of the bestselling book Covenant with Black America, the debate covered the lack of response to Hurricane Katrina, disparities in education and disparities in the criminal-justice system. The debate was held at Washington, D.C.'s Howard University.

"Timely" is the best way to describe the first question that asked the candidates if they believe race to be the most intractable issue, especially considering the Supreme Court's ruling early Thursday against voluntary-integration plans in K-12 public-school districts in Louisville, Ky., and Seattle, Wash., that use race as a factor.

(See also: 7 Ways to Promote School Integration After Supreme Court Limits Race-Based Plans, The End of An Era? Supreme Court Deals Blow to School Integration)

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., noted the diversity of the Democratic candidates for president  since she is the lone female candidate, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is the lone black candidate, and Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is the lone Latino candidate.

(See the June issue of DiversityInc magazine for Whose Presidential Campaign Is Worst for Diversity?)

Clinton added that the Supreme Court decision "turned back the clock."

All the candidates agreed with Clinton. Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio went a step further saying that the Supreme Court ruling indicated the need for a U.S. constitutional amendment guaranteeing equality in education.

But Obama, who according to polls still lags behind Clinton in support among black voters, was able to highlight how he benefited from Brown v. Board of education and the greater civil-rights struggle. "[Howard University] is where Thurgood Marshall and the team from Brown crafted their strategy. Without them, I wouldn't be here," said Obama.

Much of the debate focused on educational disparities between people of color and white people. Most of the candidates agreed that pre-school education should start earlier. Richardson advocated for a minimum salary for teachers while Kucinich said he would reduce the Pentagon budget by 15 percent to fund American schools.

While the tone of the debate in general was harmonious—the candidates did not challenge each other on the issues—the predominantly black crowd was most moved by the candidates' answer to the third question, which dealt with the high rate of HIV/AIDS among black teenagers and asked candidates what they would do to address the issue.

Education was the staple answer from the candidates, and a few said Medicaid should cover HIV/AIDS treatment. In addition to Medicaid coverage, Obama said the black community needs to overcome its homophobia and address the issue. But Clinton's response demonstrated her knowledge of how important it is to black voters that racial disparities are discussed openly and honestly by presidential candidates.

"Let me just put this into perspective: If HIV/AIDS were the leading cause of death of white women between the ages of 25 and 34, there would be an outraged outcry in this country," said Clinton. The crowd then gave her the only standing ovation of the night.

The debate ended with a question about the genocide in Sudan's Darfur region where black Africans are being slaughtered by the Arab-African Janjaweed militia, which African Union cease-fire observers report is backed by the Sudanese government. All candidates agreed that a no-fly zone must be implemented in Sudan to stop the use of military helicopters to kill and destroy black Africans and their villages. Richardson, however, said the United States must put more pressure on China, which runs a major oil line through Sudan, along which the Janjaweed militias hide. Richardson also said the United States must motivate European countries that conduct business with Sudan to institute economic sanctions.

Political pundits said the debate will reverberate throughout black communities. Donna Brazile, former adviser to former Vice President Al Gore, said, "This [debate] will have a buzz affect ... in black newspapers throughout the nation."

More on Election 2008 >>

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