WASHINGTON — The Black Economic Alliance, a nonpartisan group founded by Black executives and business leaders, announced today that it will be hosting a first-of-its-kind presidential candidate discussion focused on expanding economic opportunity for Black Americans. Set for Saturday, June 15 at the historic Charleston Music Hall in the key early primary state of South Carolina, the forum will be televised exclusively on BET Networks.
United States Senator Cory Booker and South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg have already confirmed their participation in the event, which will be moderated and executive produced by the award-winning broadcast journalist, author, and producer, Soledad O’Brien. In addition, invitations have also been sent to U.S. Senators Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren as well as former Congressman Beto O’Rourke and Vice-President Joe Biden – each of whom were invited to participate in the forum after reaching 3% of support among voters in early-state polls. Each participating candidate will discuss the key economic issues facing the Black community and how their proposed policies will make progress in the years to come.
“The structural barriers to economic growth and prosperity in the Black community have been intractable for decades and have not been a national priority. It’s time for creative, efficient, and sustained new policies if we want a different result,” said Charles Phillips, Co-Chair of the Black Economic Alliance. “The median Black household has 10% of the wealth of White households and that lack of wealth and opportunity erodes the fabric of the Black community and the American economy. We need all demographic segments to participate in the American dream to keep that dream alive.”
Over the past 50 years, the Black community has fallen increasingly behind other groups across a range of economic measures including unemployment levels, income, and home ownership. In fact, a recent report by the Wall Street Journal shows that the rate of Black unemployment remains well above the overall unemployment rate and that “Black workers have received far smaller pay increases in recent years compared with other racial groups.”
“Black communities across the country deserve to have their issues discussed at the highest levels of Presidential politics – and this forum will make sure that happens,” said Scott Mills, President of BET Networks. “I’m excited to hear the candidates’ discussions on how all Americans can participate in the new, 21st-century economy.”
Launched in 2018, the Black Economic Alliance is focused on advocating for economic policies that will advance work, wages, and wealth in Black communities. The Presidential Candidates Forum will be co-sponsored by the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, an affiliated organization focused on policy development and research regarding economic progress in Black communities.
***** Registration details for members of the media interested in attending the Black Economic Alliance presidential forum are forthcoming. Please contact Julie Tornow at jtornow@270strategies.com for more information. *****
