President Obama understood it would take an exceptionally committed and gifted group of patriots to manage the “duality” of strategically advancing efforts to improve life quality for the African American while being vested in the unification, health and growth of a nation that has not fully granted them as a group all the rights and benefits of full citizenship and participation in American life. That charge, to develop strategic policies and create innovative programs to strengthen the American economy and people while at the same time eliminating barriers to and creating opportunities for the African American to achieve an improved life quality was his 2010 “Call to Action” from the White House. During a reception following the White House Briefing of African American Stakeholders, President Obama reminded Chairman Stallworth of his 2006 visit to Detroit to ask for support in his run for President where he told the small group assembled that “he couldn’t do it alone”. Then as now he needed those that want change and the very best for the nation to “step up” and fuel hope, unity, and constructive action.
On Friday, October 10, 2010, the White House dispatched Micheal Blake to attend the first meeting of Michigan African American Thought Leaders to discuss specific actions being undertaken by President Obama to address life quality for African Americans and to begin the formation of an alignment strategy to amplify impact in Michigan.
Because of the emphasis the White House placed on “assembling critical thinkers”, Chairman Stallworth organized “The Luncheon” for Detroit’s Black Leadership to have a “closed door” discussion about the path forward.
