Black Caucus Wants to Get You a Job

Frustrated by inaction from Capitol Hill, the CBC is trying a new line of attack on unemployment: a traveling job fair with a twist.


Things have not been working out for the Congressional Black Caucus. Between its 43 members, this year the organization has introduced 40 different jobs bills to address the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent (and 16.2 percent for African Americans in particular). They've met twice with President Obama on the issue. But their legislative efforts haven't gained enough support to pass through Congress. So they've decided to sidestep the usual tactics with a new approach: hitting the road for a multicity jobs tour.

Scheduled to kick off in Chicago this summer, the CBC's For the People Jobs Initiative will host job fairs in some of the country's most economically distressed cities, including Detroit, Cleveland and Los Angeles. More than just job fairs, however, each two-day stop will also incorporate a town hall meeting in which job seekers can offer feedback and describe their employment challenges.

The CBC plans to continue introducing legislation based on this community response. At the tour's end, the organization will commission a newly created CBC jobs advisory council of top black economic and business experts, to draft a report tying together each component of the initiative. The report will detail the outcomes of each event and propose a long-term solution for job creation and economic growth.

Missouri Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, chair of the CBC, spoke exclusively to The Root about the new jobs initiative. He revealed his irritation with Senate Democrats, the first steps of a possible bipartisan approach to dealing with black unemployment and why he believes the CBC is doing its part.


http://www.theroot.com/views/black-caucus-wants-get-you-job

in PRESSURING the political classes locally & nationally.

if it's just the equivalent of those corporate "share your ideas!" fests, no thanks.

They have commitments from Business and real jobs they are hiring for. 10,000 positions open so it's a true jobs fair.

What is happening Is a huge tragedy.