11/30/2008:
Reporter and Television Anchorman Bob Bowdon, who moderated several Council Election debates in Hoboken last year – has an interesting forum coming up tomorrow in New York City:

Does the Election of Barack Obama Portend the Effective End of American Racism?
Barack Obama’s 2004 Democratic Convention speech made reference to inner city black children with books being mocked by their classmates for “Acting White.” Will these smart children now have a new answer, “Acting White? No, I’m acting like the President!” — laying an inspirational foundation for their better educational outcomes and better futures? Or are the problems of inner city children far too entrenched, with failing schools, gang violence and too few male role models, for the election of a President to materially affect their lives?
And will Barack Obama’s rise to the highest office in the land change how African-Americans see opportunity, spurring more black entrepreneurs into business and increasing the general belief that success in America is possible? Or does that ignore a historical truth — that enthusiasm for any political candidate is inherently fleeting once the rough and tumble of modern Beltway politics takes its inevitable toll — and that Obama’s ability to inspire people might wane, right along with his newness?
The event is free and open to the public, provided an online RSVP has been entered on the Foundation website. For more information, and to RSVP, please visit:http://www.thesmithfamilyfoundation.org
When: Monday, December 1st, 6:30pm Sharp!
Where: Lighthouse Theater; 111 East 59th Street Between Park and Lexington Avenue New York, NY