The political wheels turn at election time. But, there is no better time for Black organizations to ask for accountability to the Black community. The African American Democratic Club in San Francisco spikes “Candidates Night” for local and state candidates with pointed questions on “what are you going to do for the Black community?” and publishes its recommendations in the newspaper. The San Francisco Black Leadership Forum and the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce invite political candidates to speak on accountability to the Black community. Commendable political activities occur in Oakland, CA by such organizations as the Oakland Black Caucas, Niagara Democratic Club, Mule Skinners Democratic Club, Oakland Black Board of Trade, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, Allen Temple Public Ministry, and the Oakland Black Ministers Union, etc.

On April 27, 2006 California State Controller Steve Westly, one of two leading democratic candidates for Governor of California, was asked of his accountability to the Black community. His response was, “I have always supported affirmative action and if elected Governor, would move to overturn Proposition 209, which abolished affirmative action in state contracting, employment and university admissions.” Now State Treasurer Phil Angelides, the other leading candidate for Governor, has put out his “The Double Bottom Line” document about his investing billions in minority urban communities to spur economic development and has tripled the State’s investment in California’s only Black bank located in Los Angeles. Nick Papas of his office speaks to Angelides’ support of fair housing and employment laws as well as his support of the defeat of the Race Privacy Act, which would have prevented keeping statistics by race.

Even Governor Schwaznegger is attempting to counter the “gutting” of race conscious affirmative action goals by his administration in the State, with an initiative to use his “bully pit” to pursuade corporations to do more business with Black and minority communities. Oakland, CA Mayoral Candidate, Ron Dellums, made a statement as part of the struggle for equal access when serving in the U.S. Congress. No question, the Black vote, which comes as a 90% block vote in response to commitments to the Black community, most often is the deciding vote. The most affirmative step that one can make is at the voting box.

“Some politicians work for the people, while most politicians work for the people whom the people work for.” - Anonymous