Obama's speech on race seen as a model for a needed conversation

Published: 2008-03-24

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Sen. Barack Obama's speech on race March 18 at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center may or may not significantly affect his prospects for being elected president in November, but either way it charted a new course for how race can be discussed in the United States. "This has given us an alternative way to deal with racial conflict in the public discourse," said Precious Blood Father Clarence Williams, who is senior director of racial equality and diversity initiatives for Catholic Charities USA. Political analysts debated whether Obama's speech will prove effective at overcoming criticism of the Illinois Democrat's ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, over some of the minister's more sensational comments, particularly about race and government. Father Williams looked at Obama's speech not in political terms, but as "a model for what to do with racial conflict." He likened conflict about race in the United States to a chronic illness "that surfaces again and again. It might be in remission at times, but it's always going to return."

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