Civil rights activists, lawmakers, scholars, and policy analysts gathered to discuss their thoughts and insights on the challenges facing African-Americans. Raymond Brown moderated a question and answer session with the panelists. Topics included the economic stimulus package, perceptions of black youth, and personal accountability. The program included a video message sent the previous day from President Barack Obama. Mr. Smiley introduced his book Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise, published by Atria. This conclusion to the Covenant trilogy is a handbook with which the community can evaluate the successes or failures of its political leaders and of itself. "The State of the Black Union 2009: Making America as Good as Its Promise" was the 10th anniversary event and held in the Los Angeles Convention Center.