Harris Public Policy Lecture Series was based on "Political Engagement and Public Policy: Domestic and Foreign". The special guest speaker, Cynthia McKinney, came to Howard University to inform students and professors about participation in politics. She is the first African American Woman in Congress to represent the state of Georgia and a very profound leader in the government system. The first topic she "touched base on" was Human Rights. Because people are very unaware of their human rights, they are taken advantage of by government officials.
Ms. McKinney discussed the racial disparity towards the black community and how it may tie with human rights. Race has continued to "play" a part in politics, even after the civil rights movement. There have been racial topics in the presidential debates and other political events. For example, Governor Romney has been asked, repeatedly, how can he relate to the black community. His response was "I understand how difficult it can be for an African-American in today's society. In fact, I can relate to black people very well indeed. My ancestors once owned slaves, and it is in my lineage to work closely with the black community. However, just because they were freed over a century ago doesn't mean they can now be freeloaders. They need to be told to work hard, and the incentives just aren't there for them anymore. When I'm president I plan to work closely with the black community to bring a sense of pride and work ethic back into view for them." This was a vivid quote of how Romney felt about the black community and that is why Ms. McKinney focused her attention on why the black community should be aware of racial disparity. She expressed blatant ignorance she sensed from the white community. Michelle Alexander was not present at the lecture but Ms. McKinney mentioned a quote of hers in which she said "Slavery ended, but the idea of race lived on.
