By Elena Temple
March 29, 2004

Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, newly named CEO and President of The National Urban League, delivered his 2004 State of Black America Address at The National Press Club March 24.

Morial, a Past President of The Conference of Mayors in 2001 and 2002, presided over the Washington event held in conjunction with the League's First Annual Legislative Policy Conference. Morial's speech examined the progress of black Americans in their quest toward equal opportunity.

Along with its release of the annual publication, The State of Black America, the League unveiled its first "Equality Index" a statistical measurement of the disparities that exist between blacks and white in economics, housing, education, health and social justice and civic engagement.

Overall, the study found:

• Blacks are denied mortgages and home improvement loans at twice the rate of whites
• Teachers with less than three years of experience teach in minority schools at twice the rate that they teach in predominately white schools
• On average, blacks are twice as likely to die from disease, accident, behavior and homicide at every stage of life than whites
• Blacks who are arrested are three times more likely to be imprisoned than whites
• Black civic engagement out measures whites in government service, union membership and military volunteerism.

A major highlight of the League's Legislative Conference was an interactive political forum held during the luncheon. Featuring Gore 2000 Campaign Manager Donna Brazile, economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux, CNN's Suzanne Malveaux, National Public Radio's Juan Williams and conservative commentator Armstrong Williams, the spirited discussion included audience participation and offered particular insights for the 2004 presidential election and it's potential impact on the black community.

Morial's remarks captured the sentiment and overall purpose of the Conference — "African Americans have been in a precarious position since the civil rights era. While there have been increases in business formation, home ownership and educational attainment, equality gaps remain between blacks and whites, particularly in the area of economics. As our nation becomes more racially diverse, we must work together to close these disparities. This is crucial if America is to maintain it's position as an economic power and world leader."