Leaders in education, public policy, religion, and black communities discussed the role of the African-American vote in the 2008 presidential election. Tom Joyner led a question-and-answer session with the panelists and audience members. 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. Jonathan Demme and Katrina survivor Rev. Melvin Jones talked about the Demme-produced documentary, “The Right to Return,” about rebuilding New Orleans. Rev. Jones and his church members also helped others.

“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.