This initiative combines constructive dialogue, study and action. It carries forward the President's longstanding concern that the country must remain One America, and that all Americans must have an opportunity to share in the American dream. Too often, the race issue is used as a wedge to divide America. President Clinton's goal is to unite America by examining where we have been, and where we need to go, in order to achieve lasting racial reconciliation. President Clinton correctly recognizes that our nation s diversity is our greatest strength, and that we must improve the ability of all Americans to realize their full potential.
Civil rights is still the unfinished business of America.
We have come a long way toward the goal of equal justice and opportunity. Boys Roundup demonstrate, we are not there yet. Incredibly, there appear to be some who believe that discrimination is a thing of the past, and that the playing field is now level for women, for people of color, and for other victims of discrimination. The facts clearly belie this claim. The unemployment rate for African Americans is twice that of whites.