directly, overtly, explicitly, and specifically address issues that effect African-Americans and Black America.

As I listened to President Obama's Inaugural speech 01/21/13, I was elated to hear the Administration plans to tackle marriage equality, immigration reform, and better schools for our children. I was equally disheartened when there was no direct mentioning of agendas to help African-Americans specifically. There is little doubt certain things could not be enacted, let alone uttered in the public discourse. With a second term, there is a mandate from African-Americans - who waited hours to cast their vote versus going home - for us to be mentioned, recognized, and have our President advocate for programs that will benefit everyone, but especially African-Americans. When the checklist is mentioned, African-Americans are left out, leaving us questioning why? It is time that we are addressed.