This morning, Jerry Abramson, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs here at the White House, sent the following message to the White House email list.
Abramson says that the tensions that have recently erupted in communities such as Ferguson and Baltimore are not solely tied to policing, but are also linked to the lack of economic opportunity. He also details a number of the efforts that President Obama is taking to expand opportunity for more Americans.
Make sure to tune in today at 11:30 a.m. ET to watch the President's discussion at Georgetown University about poverty and opportunity — and share with us how these issues are playing out in your own community, and how you think we can continue expanding opportunity for more Americans. (And if you didn't get the email, sign up for updates here.)
From Ferguson and Staten Island to North Charleston and Baltimore, our nation has been moved — to conversation and debate, protest and action — by images of tragic encounters between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
But as the President has made clear, these issues are not new, and every mayor (or former mayor, like me) can attest that what we are witnessing in cities across America is not only about policing.
This is also about opportunity.
Everyone should be empowered by the country they call home. Unfortunately, in America, too many young people are limited by the zip code into which they are born. The President doesn't treat this conversation as one to be had only every few months surrounding the latest tragedy captured on camera and replayed on the news.
(And make sure to tune in to WhiteHouse.gov/Live today at 11:30 a.m. ET as the President sits down for a special discussion at Georgetown University about poverty and opportunity.)