Leaders in education, public policy, religion, and black communities discussed the role of the African-American vote in the 2008 presidential election. Topics included the possible election of African-American Democratic candidate Barack Obama to be president; the effects of the presidential election on the social, political, and economic future of African-American communities; and the mortgage crisis and the U.S. economy. The rebuilding of parts of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina was discussed and survivor Herreast Harrison described her experiences and the ways in which she helped others.

In the last portion of the forum Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke to the audience about health care, education and her thoughts on her candidacy. She then was questioned by Tavis Smiley. Senator Clinton was the only presidential candidate to accept the invitation to address the forum in person. 

“The State of the Black Union 2008: Reclaiming Our Democracy, Deciding Our Future” took place in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Conference Auditorium in New Orleans. 

This event was sponsored by Tavis Smiley Presents and moderated by Mr. Smiley.