Beatty strongly argued for affirmative-action programs, getting a sympathetic ear from Clinton. Morgan, the white student, said TV stars like Bill Cosby helped him to see blacks as equals. Other shows, however, have affected him differently, leading Morgan to admit his fear. Clinton said blacks and whites should not be afraid to joke about their differences. His audience paid heed.
Pride is a black country music singer.
The president wants to provide financial incentives to 15 to 25 poor school districts that adopt dramatic reforms such as closing bad schools and firing bad teachers. But he said government policies alone can't ease racial strife. An audience of about 3,000 watched nine panelists and about 60 audience participants at the University of Akron. Tickets were distributed privately through the university, local politicians, and Coming Together, a local community group that works for better race relations. Since Clinton announced his effort last June, neither he nor his advisers have taken up tense racial issues, such as a proposed apology for slavery or California's ban on affirmative action.