Is Finding a Good Man the Biggest Policy Issue Facing Black Women?

See what the most powerful black women in America have to say

During the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the most influential people of color in government convene to address America’s most pressing policy issues, with particular focus on issues impacting communities of color. While the impact of the economic crisis on black men has begun to receive increasing attention from policymakers and the media, women of color—many of who have become heads of their households—face their own unique challenges. While at the ALC, Loop 21 interviewed some of the most influential black women in America on what they consider the most important policy issue facing black women, and what they would like to see the federal government do to address that issue. From the economy, to finding quality partners, their answers are below.

Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD)
“I think creating jobs and opportunity for the 21st century for girls and women is so important and especially for black women. We need to make sure that we have the skills it’s going to take to be successful in this century and some of those skills may not be ones we have to day and I think it’s up to our federal government to assist our states and entrepreneurs to make those opportunities available.”

Debra Lee, President and CEO, BET
“I have to say the most important issue facing everyone right now is jobs and getting this economy working again and until we get that done it’s hard to separate issues from women’s from men issues—we’re all in this together.  So I know the President and Congress are focused on, we’ve got to get this jobs bill passed.”