Hellooooo Anderson, Erica, and best bloggers!!!!
Happy Thursday!!!!
I am enjoy " Black in America part 2" It is so amazing documentary tonight. Thank you Soledad!!!!

Good evening, Anderson and Soledad and everyone. Looks to be a good show tonight.

Good evening Anderson and Erica. Looking forward to another great show tonight with lots of good bloggers taking part.

Evening Anderson and Erica.

The special tonight was good but I have to be honest last night's was much better. I kind of lost interest tonight and it was hard to stay focused on some of it.

Cindy...Ga.

Before your panel provides excellent commentary on "Black in America", I would like to congratulate CNN and Soledad on a wonderful series about African-American life!

It is liberating to finally see someone acknowledge what we, as African-American males, go through everyday . Hopefully the world can begin to understand our struggle, strength, and pride.

It's like being at summer camp! Staying up late two nights in a row! Yippee 360!!!!

Hello everyone! Hello Anderson and Erica! What a great job Soledad has done with this report. It's really opened up my eyes and I hope those of others as well!

Obama's speech did nothing for me. Just him doing another photo op trying to act like he is the pres.

Cindy..Ga.

Megan, ur right, great one tonight! two men with the same upbringing and family ending up in two different places in life. i really liked the positive message it sent out to others about making good choices.

Good evening Anderson and fellow bloggers! Black in America was awesome tonight! Cheers to Soledad O'Brien!!

I thought Obama's speech was very good for America's image in Europe.

I'm so proud of Barack Obama! This is just the beginning people. Watch and see! Obama 08!!

It amazes me that Senator McCain is compaining about Senator Obama's trip overseas – wasn't he the one that said he should go. No matter what anyone says – Senator McCain did it his way and Senator Obama is doing it his way. I think that he can change the impression of America in the international arena.

Part 2 of Black in America is equally extraordinary. Apparently blacks with lighter skin have a better chance of doing well than those with dark skin. Soledad can easily pass for white and most successful blacks on the program had light skin.

While I feel sorry for those black men who wind up in prison and/or become drug addicts, there comes a point when we all must make decisions on which path to follow. It is terrible that so many black men are so irresponsible that they don't take responsibility for the children they father.

good evening everyone.... thanks for staying up late again..

I loved the documentary "Black in American," however there is one issue I have, why when these documentaries are done no one ever touches being black and gay in America? That is a huge dynamic that I feel is ignored in black media produced documentaries and now CNN. Was there any reason why it was not covered? I am starting to feel pushed under the rug. Great documentary otherwise though.

Me too..... I love Obama's speech in Germany....... he is great speech!

hi anderson and erica, sen obama made me really really proud to be an american.................................

Candy said it best, Obama showed that he would be able to help restore the world's impression of America.

Cynthia>"I think that he can change the impression of America in the international arena."

This is a very important point and I'm glad this is coming through. Our foreign relations are really scraping bottom...

It doesn't matter how many people came to see Obama there they can't vote him in office!

Cindy...Ga.

I thought tonight's half was very interesting. I liked hearing about the different experiences of the 3 sons – as well as all of the others. It was good and I congratulate Soledad on attempting to have a discussion that most people don't care to have.

what awe-inspiring pics from Germany....iconic imagery in the making

I felt proud to be an American watching Obama make another extraordinary speech in Berlin. Finally, after 7 l/2 years of inept U..S. leaders stumbling around the world, at last we have a brilliant man standing up for America abroad.

I think it was a great job O'brien. I relate to the story of the man in the projects, college educated, but not finding work. This is one of the reasons I joined the military. I have no criminal background, but have been at gunpoint by officers who said I "looked suspicious, etc". Once officer accused me of stealing my own car when I was in college.

I enjoyed the part 2 series on Black in America. I commend CNN, Soledad, and everyone involved in bringing it to out so that everyone can talk and maybe find solutions to the problem. These two parts only scratch the surface.

no one documentary can ever cover all we would like it to, but i think soledad did a terrific job. a monumental task and she really pulled it off.

When is the last time that many flags appeared at a rally in Germany and none of them were set on fire?

I mean set aside the "presumptuous" question and lets ask ourselves what it would be like to have a President capable of generating so much goodwill abroad.

Barack Obama speech in Berlin is what the world need today. We must come together as one world to advance as people in the future.

Even if Obama was being presumptuous with his speech today (and I don't think he was), we've had precious little of that quality of leadership in the last eight years, and I'll take all I can get.

John McCain needs a joke writer.

Is it me, or is everyone getting caught up in the "romance" of Obama's campaign. He speaks well and effectively, but that isn't enough. If the gap between he and McCain is narrowing and the republican brand is so damaged, should be not be doing better?

I believe the program will help discussion to begin within the Black community to create change. It will be a catalyst to the change needed within our society to stop making excuses and start making changes.

THe series was amazing. It has really challenged me to help my community in any way that I can. I am forever grateful to Soledad and CNN for this series!!

Love Love Love it!!! Many thanks to CNN for doing this documentary. It was informative and encouraging. And adding the rap segment to the men's show tonight was a great move. Thank you all!

The world has been watching Obama and now they got a chance to see him. He is an amazing person and America deserves the oportunity to have him lead us in a new direction.

Obama speaking as a citizen of the world...or as a Senator...i think it represents a positive image for the USA...that he is Aware of current issues...that he wants to work with other nations on these issues..that these things are ALL our issues that we ALL need to work on Together....i think it is Great on reflecting on we are ONE world...

Anderson, thank you for bringing this topic to the main stream audience. The problem starts with the portrayal of african americans, but is resting on african americans to change the way we are percieved. As for Obama, he did the right thing to show the world how he feels internationally before becoming a president, so we, domestically, will already know how he plans on improving public relations. Great show

Anderson,
I loved what Senator Obama did and said today! He made me be proud to be an American again. I hate what the republicans have done to our country at home and abroad. I have not been proud of American politics in a long time.
I despise the sarcastic and mean mccain camp.
I celebrate for and with Senator Obama and I thank him for his words.
Guit repeating the negative words of mccain. Do you work for them? Seems like it.

I thought Obama's speech was very good (and thank you CNN for broadcasting it live). He was very poised, had a positive message and I thought his analogies about working together for progress were a very different message from the negativity of the McCain campaign.

Congrats to Senator Obama....great job today. I'm not surprised by McCain and crew it's to be expected, but what does surprise me is that main media takes up the mantle of complaining that Obama is arrogant to do this speech while McCain gave a speech while in Canada.

Good evening Anderson, Obama gave one of the best speeches I have heard this election cycle.

McCain is talking about Senator Obama's trip over seas, but didnt he go overseas himself not long ago to columbia and other central american contries. However i dont think he got 1/3 of the crowds that obama is able to draw.

Why does John McCain continue to be sarcastic towards the press and the opposition candidate? Does he really think this makes him look presidential? I wouldn't vote for anyone who goes around slamming people all of the time.

Anderson,
I agree with you too. Soledad is good job to interview black people. she is so amazing reporter tonight!

I think Obama is acting in Faith and acting as if it were. Just like "the Secret" says you have to believe and take the steps towards your goal. Very smart.

Doesn't seem to me that Obama is doing that well if McCain is catching up to him in the polls.

Cindy...Ga.

mccain seems petty whining about the media coverage of obama's trip

For me it's John McCain's mocking tone that I find so distasteful.

"Black in America" has definately touched on some important information affecting African Americans. Now that we know the challenges Black face, but how are we going to correct these issues? Overall good job.

I don't think Obama is going too far with this trip. He's doing a great job building up the American image overseas. Good job Obama!

I love the Black in America series and I think that it sheds light on issues that are often forgotten. I just wish that the show was promoted to a larger black audience because blacks in America really need to hear this.

I agree Cynthia. The documentary just skimmed the surface. It was a great piece in that it brought out some issues that many may not be aware of, but there is so much more to be discussed in and out of the black communities. Great job Soledad!

Hello bloggers! Tonight's Part 2 was excellent as well. Just goes to show that if you put together a great documentary, you will get the viewers to watch....and hopefully get the issues out on the table.

The Black Man in America was a great documentary. I was left wondering what happened to the guy who had to be out of his apartment by midnight?

hi Anderson! I love your show!!!!
I think for the McCain campaign to comment at all on Obama in Berlin makes them look like sore losers. Stop trying to compete with Barack and stand on you own two feet.! Give a reason to love you and not a reason not to love Obama! You are not going to stop the love fest with Obama . McCain is starting to look like a mean old man even to the republicans!!!

Obama has Europeans waving American flags! And they say McCain is better for our foreign policy!

Anne: Yes, I was confused about why Soledad was doing this documentary. I thought to myself "she's not black, why is she doing this?" I thought she looked more hispanic than black. But now I know her parentage and it makes sense. Who else to do a documentary on being black than someone who doesn't belong to solely to the white world or the black world, but is equally apart of both? I think, so far, this documentary has been awesome.

An Awesome speech especially put into contrast with the other campaign which does little but attack, and makes erroneous claims.This election is about generational change and the reactions to this momentous speech reveals this.

While I appreciated the series, often times, the background research on some of the topics, including that of hip hop culture, left me feeling like they were glossed over a bit. Kudos to Soledad & CNN for doing this piece, which could have been a 40-part series as far as I was concerned. I do realize it's difficult to speak to all the issues in 4 hours & I would like to personally be involved in any real discussion on Image, Steroetype & Reality: Hip Hop as Part of The New Social Construct.

Obama is a powerful reality that much of america is not admitting they are not ready for

Donna Brazille is correct about Senator McCain spending too much time attacking because of the press coverage & the trip. Of late Senator McCain has been misspeaking a good bit and should be glad he has not received as much press coverage.

While I will not vote for Senator Obama (or McCain either) I think that we may be too critical of a candidate who has had little exposure and little name recognition

I love Obama's response to McCain's attack. He did not attack back, but instead pointed out how ridicules the statement was.

I was not happy with Black in America part 2. Where were all the successful Black Men? Where were the thousands of Black Men at Historically Black Colleges and Universities? There was way too much focus on the negative side. Part 1 was a lot better and balanced.

As I watched the berlin speech today, I felt hope for my country and the world. Obama gives me hope. Something this country needs to began the work of getting back on track.

McCain stood beside the surge because he thought it was a winning political move that would get him the support from Washington D.C. and his party–he perceived he needed this to win. This posturing isn't so clear now.

Man, I never saw anything like tonight. This is Emmy award work. Soledad and her team needs to be nominated for an Emmy for all of this hard work! Fantastic....

Though I commend the efforts of the report, I cannot help but take away a sense of despair for the situation for black american males. I found particularly astounding the comment that a black male with no criminal record and education is on an equal playing field as a white male recently out of prison. If such were the case, what incentive is there for the average black male to obtain legitimate employment rather than drug dealing?

Presumptious??? The Man is a senator and a citizen of the United States. The Media can make you or break you, Today he was made, tomorrow he can be broken. Its all about "change" The McCain campaign just isnt as good as his get over it Senator McCain

I can only hope that Americans both white and black, were able to learn something from this documentary. There are two responsible parents in my household and watching this together opened a new window of understanding for the both of us as a woman for me and seeing him as the true man he is constantly struggling to be.

Anderson
Look like the world has spoke. They know Obama has not won yet, but 200,000 people in Germany voted the only way they can by showing up to his speech. If McCain did a speak any where in the world he still will not get a draw a large crowd of supporters. My thoughts.

Anderson,

Why is it that Barack O. is characterized as being presumptuous for traveling abroad when John M. did the same thing and none of these issues were raised?

Soledad's effort has brought awesome results! Congratulations to her & CNN. As Anderson said, it must have involved a mountain of work, but I have learned a great deal from both nights.

Part 2 was much better than Part 1. I still felt that Part 1 was lacking in several areas and misrepresented the Women on several issues. I think Part 1 needs to be revisited as another show on Black Women which talk about, women activists, women in prison, college women, women entertainers .... just like the Part 2 focused on these things for men.

Anderson, I would first of all like to thank and congratulate CNN and Soledad for this amazing documentary. Black in America did an excellent job of displaying many issues that are rarely mentioned especially the social and economical differences between light skin and dark skin African Americans. I do hope that many people have a better understanding about blacks in this country and that we also struggle with division within the black community.

Congratulations to Soledad and to the staff at CNN. She demonstrated great journalism on the coverage of "Black in America. It raised awareness and the conscience of the state of being black in America tackling the social and economic differences in comparison to other ethnic groups..

I would like to thank Sen. Obama for helping to restore my faith in this country. It was very reassuring to see the reception that Sen. Obama received in Berlin. I'm in the travel industry which requires me to travel abroad on a regular basis. And the sentiment towards Americans has been very negative for the most part. As a black man I am remaining cautiously optimistic that Sen. Obama will be elected and help to move this country in a different direction. One that is positive and away from the troubled waters that the Bush/Cheney administration has placed us in!

I still think that Obama going overseas was more stepping on Bush's toes regardless of whether it was a successful trip or not. He is NOT the President yet.

i wish i could be a part of these polls that indicate mccain is catching up....

Soledad hit a home run showing Micheal Eric Dyson’s story. It goes to show that the best of us can have issues. Everyone has issues but you can still overcome and move beyond circumstances to excel.

Hi Anderson. Thanks for your support. I would like to make a comment on the Obama trip to Europe. It was John MCCain tand his campaign hat suggested (in a belittling way) that Barack Obama take this trip to europe. He cried when Barack stated we need to settle our problems here!, and now he is crying when Barack is getting such a warm welcome. What gives? I'll tell you. If Obama could win in Europe, why couldn't he win in America. America needs Barack Obama. John MCCain is a good guy, but, not the inspirational icon this country needs in these trying times. Thanks a bunch!

Lawrence in San Diego

Wow!!!!
That is so bad damage all over the town during hurricane Dolly!!!!!! I saw yatch (big boat) just almost overtop........ My hearts go to all South Texas.......

Tonight's segment was the raw truth but this truth was very depressing. When tonight's bleak truth about black men is coupled with last night's bleak truth about black women, I find the future of black people troubling. Is there no solution?

Hello, I love the storyteller or poetic guy who does the intros, I'm touched throughout the series, and I can relate to so many of the stories, especially the absent fathers. More than a few times I have been brought to tears, will you do follow ups on the single mother with five children who was about to move to a different house, and the baby girl whose father showed up late to the birthday party, and the mother is now pregnant with twins. I'm thinking about changing my ways as far as how I parent my children, and to make better choices when it comes to my health, including smoking. Thanx Soledad and Cnn. Sabrina Edwards,MN

I don't think McCain gets the press coverage Obama gets (overseas) because he's just not inspiring or energizing. When I try to imagine the perception of other countries I can only think they look at McCain and see the same old approach they've seen for years and years from the U.S.

Yes, I do agree that Soledad has done an awesome job!!!!! ...and you are right Anderson, one documentary could never tell all of our stories. Hats off to CNN for running the story and you for giving us another voice.

The documentary was outstanding and sheds light on what it is like to be an African- American male. There will be some people that will not understand the importance of the program, but there will be many that will. If we know people fear what they don't understand, I have to commend CNN on making the attempt to inform. Maybe this will help other nationalities further understand some of the ideas of Barrack Obama, and make him a more realistic candidate. There are some things about black america that can't be told. They must be illustrated. Keep up the good work!!!!

Obama gave an excellent speech ; all nations need to work together to solve some of these complex problems. McCain did not realize that Obama would be well received and would look so presidential. Remember he wanted Obama to go overseas; be careful for what you ask for!

Great documentary. It would be great to see a yearly update; especially if Obama become President.

Let's hope with the response received that CNN will start on series 3 & 4.

thanks for being with us tonight, bloggers ~ i'm glad many of you watched soledad's docimentary. if anyone missed it, cnn will re-air "black in america" this wkd

I completely agree with the idea that darker skinned black people are treated differently than lighter skinned black people. Even as a black woman, in the summer when I am darker other black people treat me differently and say negative things. Darker skinned black men are also targeted if they have more "ethnic" sounding names. I know people who name their children "normal" first names and the more cultural names as middle names so that in their opinion, their children can get jobs as young black adults in America. I think that people should be able to be culturally expressive if they choose to.

Hi Anderson, Erica, everybody blogging. I liked the second part of Black in America, too. I think better public schools would be helpful to everyone in this country. I don't like to see young people or anyone missing out on learning. Everyone has a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Nothing opens the eyes of a mother until she has sons. Kudos to CNN. Some of the subjects covered by this series touch us mothers to the quick.

As a retired female NYC Police Officer I can agree with D.L. Hugley's comments regarding teaching his son what to do if he ever encountered the police. I too, told my sons the same thing. Living in Queens, N.Y. during the time when P.O. Byrne was killed in Queens, N.Y. the police were staging an all out war for Black males. I told my sons (during that particular time) if you have to take a bus and you miss the bus, don't run to try and catch it....let it go and wait for another one. Because to the police, you running down the street means (to them) you must have just robbed someone and you did something bad or committed some crime. Whereas some white person running down the street, means they're trying to catch a bus and running late for some appointment or whatever. Same situation, different colors.

This series was excellent. Not enough time in forum to discuss how informative, and how much growth is needed in America on all fronts of the issues.

Thank you so much for the series, "Black in America." My eyes filled with tears so many times last night as you presented the realities that I sometimes choose to forget. It was a very accurate overall view of what black Americans experience. Every area was covered and I don't think you could have done any better. I would love to see a follow-up to this in two or three years (especially to track the progress of the children). Thanks again & Keep up the good work!

My jaw nearly dropped when one of the people interviewed said slavery was to blame for all the absent fathers. That was 7 generations ago.

Great job! My husband and I watched it with our "tween-er" son. We had great discussions that provided our son a better understanding about being a black male. Thank you!!!

Erica, Black in America is on at 9pm out here in the wild, wild west. Hopefully many in Pacific time will watch this good program in prime time out here.

This polygamy story is a smaller issue to the lack of leadership by the Dem's today when it came to drilling. Why isn't that story being covered. There was the real story in Congress today

I think senator obamas speech was great it was nice to see europe embracing him like that, Even though they cant vote in the general election they probably have family and friends here in this country that can vote for him. Having senator obama as president will really restore our respect and dignity we have lost!!!

The fact that Obama's speech probably restored some goodwill to this country is awesome! It was a 'feel-good' moment for me as an American–it's been a loooong time coming.

The lawyer who represents the FLDS is kind of creepy looking. Just an observation!

I would definitely watch Parts 3 & 4 if they want to make them. The black experience cannot be summed up in 2 parts, but Soledad did an awesome job getting as much in as she did.

I loved Barack Obama's speech in Berlin. We need more people to like Obama to clean up our image with the world. McCain should be more upset with his campaign staff for not coming up with the idea of a world tour. American's would pay more attention to McCain if wasn't talking so much about continuing this deadly war. Why doesn't he feel that enough lives have been lost. Whether it be American lives or citizens lives in Iraq.

Thank you for the documentary about being black in America. I have three sons and I tell them all the time, you have one strike against you as it is and I want you to exceed the barriers ahead of you and do the best you can in anything you do.

Now with the Obama speech, he did very well and I believe he will give America what we really need as a people, no matter the race.

The Black in America special was well done and I applaud CNN for their effort in presenting this important series, but I have to agree with George Theophile's comment–I would've have liked to have seen more black male success stories incorporated into the special–there ARE many of these stories out there–I know plenty of successful, educated black men who are doing well and it would be nice if more of their stories were told along with the stories of black men who continue to struggle or who have made bad choices in their lives.

Often times, as a young Black man, my existence is personified as an monolithic one. Black people, Blck men, or any race for that matter, are not all one way, do not live as the same, eat the same, speak the same or present themselves in the general public in the same manner.

The sad part is that this even has to be said. But, perpetuation of stereotype sells magazines, raises ratings, offers increased opportunity to grow the criminal justice industrial complex & sloowly strangles what little hope exists in many community for any modicum of success in a place often called Land of The Thief, Home of The Slave...

Thank you CNN for a candid look at being Black in America. Soledad you hit a homerun in portraying Blacks who are working in corporate America, have families and only want the best for their families. You also showed us those who are working but cannot make ends meet.. Ending the show with Michael Eric Dyson and his brother really brought the point across. Blacks in America have all types of experiences. Now that the issues have been aired, all races need to dialogue, come together and bring about a change.

Outstanding Job with the documentary, but It left me with a sickening feeling in my stomarch since I am bi-racial(Black & White),and I'm going through similar situations right now.

Why does it seems so hard for succesful people like D.L Hugly & Magic Johnson and others to put our money togetter and get to working in our communities?

I'm proud of all the accomblishments D.L. hugley did. Keep up the good work.

I enjoyed the two-day documentary. However, as an African-American I found the issues discussed a bit surface in nature. With that said, I do understand the challenges associated with addressing complex and overarching problems while relying on personal narratives to illustrate really difficult issues. It is my hope that this documentary will be the catalyst for an honest dialogue across generations in the Black community and across cultural lines in America. I appauld Soledad's thoughfulness, candidness, and CNN's courage.

Why have we tolerated polygamy and underage marriages in this country for so long? Why is abuse under the umbrella of religion tolerated?

Bravo!!! Cnn,Soledad I applaud you for bringing uch a creat documentary to the air. Hopefully this will enlighten people to the struggles we face as African Americans on a daily basis. Obama is a perfect example of what we can achive as an African American coming from a single parent home...

Michael

I too feel very proud to be an American after seeing the images of Obama in Berlin. It reminded me of a time when people around the world looked up to America as a world leader and made me see this could be possible again. Previously I had doubts. It shouldn't matter if your a Republican or Democrat I think it is obvious to anyone with eyes ears and a brain that he is the best representation for America at home or abroad.

This speach today made me feel that with this much good will around the world, him becoming President could really turn our economy around and the state of our dollar.

It's really unfortunate that the children of the FDLS have to be put on national TV in the middle of this horrifically revealing event, but to tell you the truth, I feel the coverage should speak more about how there was physical abuse in the way of domestic violence. That shows further how deep the evil went in this community.

The FLDS story just keeps getting worse....now organized crime?? Hope the children are doing ok.

I am really starting to get a headache from all of the negative comments Mc Cain makes about O'Bama. Every speech is filled with O'Bama slams. This kind of campaigning sure does not give people an uplifting feeling about the world. It does not give hope. It does not unite people. I want to hear he cares about his fellow Americans and their needs not just O'bama, O'Bama, O'Bama O'bama.

I grew up as a black girl in a two-parent home and still caught hell. My mother and stepfather were poor and did not finish high school. There was abuse and addiction. It was a very unstable environment. Some of my classmates fared better b/c they had one loving, committed parent. I wished the documentary had focused more on the effect violence in the home has on problems in the black community.

I thought that the show was good and very enlightening but I was still a little upset about it. Not everybody grows up in the projects and lives in a single family home. I think that they should have showed more successful educated people. We are all not drop outs and running the streets. We are successful people also. The show was awsome. That was my only flaw.

Hello Anderson and Erica

The documentary "Black in America was long over due. The Americans who wake up everyday without a care in the world need to wake up and smell the coffee. Being "Black in America" as far as this documentary is concern is for real, it's everyday life for a lot of blacks. Instead of keeping the realization of being "Black in America" pushed under the carpet, these documentaries should be pushed in the face of Americans more often.
Great job Soledad.

Many of the issues addressed in Part 2 seem to be the result of personal choice. The discussion of how police treat blacks is the exception. I'll have to ask my police officer daughter what she does.

The black men in my family are Pro-football players, pastors, business owners, military commanders, and so on. Tonight I love what CNN has done a great job. I am proud of the men in my family, and will continue to produce great men and women.

The fact that D. L. is around to talk to his son and is preparing him for manhood is a real testament to his character. There are far too few of us trying to prepare our sons to become men in the world.

Anderson,
thanks for giving D.L. Hughley an opportunity to have his say. I have a lot of respect for that man!

Quite frankly, I don't trust the police either.

Ray W>”…what incentive is there for the average black male to obtain legitimate employment rather than drug dealing?”

How about knowing the difference between right and wrong?

Mike, Syracuse, NY. What about the one guy who was having a hard time finding a job whose job was lost due to his company moving.

Excellent series! As I've grown older I come to realize that White America doesn't really know Black America. Documentary pieces like this one, which show the spectrum of conditions, possibilities, choices and consequences can bring about communication. That communication in turn brings about an education. Education leads to knowledge, which brings us to equality. Let's start.

i enjoyed the program tonight and last night.

hughley is right there is no way in trusting policemen. especially when you are a minority. i remember watching the local news here in nashville and seeing a video of a policeman searching a minority man that he had stop and as he searches him he takes out a bag of drugs out of his poket and slips it in the man's pocket and the man yells that is not his. it was caught on police tape... sad very sad

I think Obama's speech was timely and serves as an excellent representation of what he will be like as president. He has innovative ideas that he doesn't hesitate to express. Why should he wait until he becomes president to say what needed to be said long ago. It makes no sense for the U.S. to be the main "life savers" and the other countries just sit back and watch. Let's watch as so many people try to downplay his actions but yet take his ideas and make them the new policies and efforts.

There is something interesting about this series running at the same time we are watching Barack Obama campaign. Maybe being "Black in America" soon will be a very different story...we can only "HOPE"

Hi Anderson,
I would like to congratulate Soledadon an amazing documentary. It's hard to see what our black community is STILL going through. It's time for a change; though not president YET Obama is going to change this country.

Why blame Brandon and not Tina too. She has one illegitimate child with one boyfriend, now is expecting twins with another. Hasn't she heard of birth control?

McCain is a cry baby. All week long he has been complaining. He is jealous of Obama. He can't get a crowd to come out as large as Obama's. And the people of America is tired of hearing it. Just because he has millitary experience does not entitle him to become the next President.

Hughley's right........I dont trust the police white or black.....do you think that black officers struggle with their job?

Being fatherless, is not an excuse for not succeeding in life. An Uncle did not have his father around and became a Dr. I just think that the concept of the village raising a child is lost and we no longer think as a community and as such we care less for one another. I am raising 2 children after my divorce and they are well-adjusted and smart kids. The problem stems from us not instilling in our children the hope and allowing them to dream and fulfill those dreams. The perception of us as Black Americans in American can be change if we could care more about the success of our children and our legacy.

I always trust the police. White or black. I don't commit crime. To Protect and to Serve.

AC, you mentioned that you were surprised that DL Hughley talked to his son about how to talk to the police if he is pulled over. I've had the same conversation with my son. I always told him to say "Yes Sir" and "No Sir" and if there is a problem, I've told him to memorize the badge number not to write it down in the presence of the officer. The main purpose of that conversation was to keep him ALIVE!

Anderson,
that young man, Brandon, had every excuse in the book. I'm sad that he will not get an opportunity to know his children!...Whatever happened to birth control?

I was amazed that Soledad was able to even get an interview with Brandon! He knows he dropping the ball and still was going on national television...wow

If you have never been taught how to be a good father, how do you learn? I believe you can still do it, but man the odds are against you.

Thank you Solidad, what a great documentary. Thank you for the stories that you were able to tell. We know that there are a lot more stories like the stories you reported on. We are glad that you were able to tell these stories.

if a man cannot fulfill the "Provider" role for a family...then make a mature decision before hand....it is about taking responsibility for your actions...BOTH the mother and the father....he has another child with someone else...now she is have twins with another person...people should be held Accountable for their Actions...if they want to Change...they have to commit to it..and do works towards it...and show their children...and pass that on through the generations...

These women are ridiculous having all of these kids with different men. That is the problem. These women let the men get away with doing nothing. Instead of forcing them to pay child support they let them do as they please and still hang around and sleep with them. That is stupid!

Then they are just as bad as the guys sleeping around and having kid after kid.

Cindy...Ga.

Black in America Parts I and II was excellent. It is amazing the connection that so many of the people interviewed had with one another and to those of the past. I will be getting a copy of this documentary and playing this for my middle school teaching staff so they can understand better the lives of the families of the children they teach. I can't wait for the sequel that gives the solution to all of the intriguing insight that was given.

It is very true, you have a choice. Draw the line and just do it. You do what you can, the best you can.

I am so proud as an American today watching Senator Obama in Berlin. It was a great moment. That is what America is about!!! Lovin' it.

Wow...I can't believe that man had 10 kids and didn't raise any of them.

Soledad brings up a great point, these fathers don't know how to be a father or they think the role is financial only.

If Brandon doesn' t "have the first clue about being a father" why didn't he take precautions? He doesn't deserve a pass and neither does his girlfriend.

In a sense it goes both ways, I think the girls/women are searching for love (and some would say on all the wrong places) and some of the guys don't know how to be fathers because they maybe didn't grow up with a father in the house.

most younger people that have children do not understand the responsibility that comes with it....not knowing how to parent is not an excuse...educate yourself...reach out to the community..friends..family..churches...programs...they will help you learn positive parenting skills....no one is a perfect parent...it is a learning experience....but it does not seem like they are "Learning" much!

I completely agree with Soledad as well. A lot of men who have never had a male influence or father in their life have no clue how to be a father. It is something they have never witnessed. Its really sad and a lot of these problems come from the lack of education.

Tinu,

The "Village raising a child" concept is fine if that community is strong . This theory no longer exist in these poverty stricken areas. We must be realistic that everyone doesn't have the same length boot straps to pull up and continue to face life challenges.

if you havent checked out the "black in america" blogs, i highly recommend them. powerful stories

I'm totally in agreement with D.L.'s belief in teaching your children, specifically your Black male children, on how to deal with the police and authorities. Both of our sons were taught the same thing, and my husband and I have been in law enforcement for 25 years.

Our sons have both been stopped by the police and questioned, just for "driving while Black". The respectful attitudes that we instilled in them helped to save them from situations that could have been made more difficult.

Obama is acting like the man he projects himself to be. He is not a resident of the present. Our next president will have to take bold steps to fix this economy and end this war. He took a bold step.

Emotional support is what Brandon has to learn, yes learn, or the cycle will not be broken. Remember children learn what they live...

These young men and women do need to learn to act responsibly–there is no reason to continuing bringing children into the world when you have no means of supporting them or when both parents aren't going to take an active role in raising them.

I don't blam Brian alone. Tina, pregnant again so soon by another guy?? Birth Control...try it!

I disagree with D.L. Hughley. If you've got trouble sometimes the best thing you can do is call the police. But, is there discrimination? police brutality? inappropriate use of force? Yes there is. I'm courteous and respectful with the police and was taught by a lot of people to be so.

I think I'm not the only one that will say that as an adult who lost a father as a child, it's not necessarily the importance of physically having a father present, but it is essential to emotionally have a father. I have no recollection of my father, but know that he loved me. I feel bad for these kids who have a father, but don't have that emotional connection with him. That emotional connection is what makes the difference in a father-child relationship, and it is personally hard to see this happen to these families and these kids.

Depression among Black women is real Is like the weight of the world on your shoulder And it ends up as There is no love like a childs love So 2 keep from being lonely – more children Its hard 2 stop the cycle

Good job Soledad! This entire series was excellent. Please do it it again with follow up on some of the folks featured. I thought the piece tonight on black men hit home. I am a single mom, but not by choice. My son is 22 and his father has not been around in a very long time. He was a holiday and birthday father and as time pass, he graduated to an absence dad. My son attends college and is expected to graduate next year. I still do not know why these men run out on their families and never look back. If they know it hurted them, then why inflict this pain on their children. Pleas black man help a sister to understand.

Much of the problem within the black community didn't just start this generation. It has been an ongoing and growing problem for several generations. I would argue the biggest issue was during the late 60s/70s, with the mandatory draft in the Vietnam war, COINTELPRO and the introduction of Heroin and Cocaine. Since this time, the Black Father and the Black Man has been under attack from every side. Thanks for the discussion.

jolene
you are right but also because they didn't have fathers to do the same for them so they don't know how to go about doing it.

In regards to the part of Black in America the part of missing fathers. Brandon truly needs to grow up. Brandon knew that it was his daughters birthday. Brandon seems to have a bag full of excuses of why he wasn't there on time. Men should be more responsible in not getting anyone pregnant.

Tara Walls is absolutely correct women have to stand their ground. Women should take more responsiblity in not becoming pregnant.

It was sad to hear, that in some black neighborhoods you find a gun faster than getting a piece of fruit. I am sure that is the same reality with drugs.

Awesome job, this series was incredible.

360, thank you for using statistics that contrast black americans as well as other groups. When the stats talk strictly about black americans, it's hard to understand any benchmarks or comparisons.

Erica...I read the blog posts and they were great! But there were a lot of racist remarks left that I found sickening!

Cindy...Ga.

Erica, I checked Black in America blog...... these blog are so amazing blog today!!!!!

I hope BLACK IN AMERICA will cause Blacks and Whites and other races to open a dialog that helps each of us to better understand the other. That would be a beginning. We have to start somewhere and what better place than on this great piece of work by Soledad and her team.

After watching the segment tonight, I am even more determined to finish my college education, but I can't help but wonder if a black man whom chooses to go to an Historically Black College or University has a smaller chance of getting that dream job/career because the name on their degree is not that of a predominately white university? And for that matter how does it affect the white people whom choose to attend HBCU's, and does the black community still value these institutions of higher learning like we once did?

Law discriminates according to the people who implement it. When there are "crooked" individuals who are enforcing the laws how just can these laws be?

Correcting the sentencing guidelines should not mean reducing sentences for crack cocaine. It should mean increasing sentences for other types of drugs. If you are a drug dealer, you should go away for a long time period.

I agree with Tara Wall. These laws were not created to purposely discriminate.

Anderson, I thought the show on Black America was great. Soledad did an outstanding job considering the time limitations. I particularly enjoyed the segment of M. Dyson and his brother. I wish she would have spent more time on Corporate America and what Black men and women face...just recently we heard about the N word at one of our defense industries. I personally investigated hanging nooses to intimedate blacks who were making their way up the corporate ladder. I also investigated may layoffs where blacks were let go because of their race. There is much work to be done. I am so happy that CNN has started the conversation.

Erica: I enjoyed reading the blog posts on the Black in America topics. By putting them on the blog, it created an avenue to start the discussions and hopefully come up with solutions.

I feel that the fact that the Black "men" leaving their children to be raised only by the mothers are being portrayed as just simply "not getting it" because of .....what? is not fair. These are kids! They may be 18, 19, 20 or whatever, but they are kids! What 18 year old, white, black, whatever, ever made a responsible choice when put in such a major life changing position?

Great conversation this evening. Thank you for a job well done, 360 (and Soledad). I'm a little more enlightened. Good night Bloggers!

Excellent program Anderson, lots of dialogue!! Let's keep talking and maybe someone will listen...Good night!

Fast but great show tonight! Loved the focus on the Black in America topics. Thanks. Nite all!

Good night Anderson, Erica, best bloggers!!!!
Have a great night!!!! Sleep tight!!!!
See you regular tomorrow night!!!!
Congrats Soledad!!!! Thanks for reporting Black in America.

Listening to your show I heard Anderson say that the thought behind the harsher laws of crack vs cocaine is that crack causes you to perform more heinous crimes. While drugs have no appeal for me, I am pretty sure that if the crack users could just buy the stuff without committing other crimes, like many cocaine users apparently can, they would also go that route. Again it all comes down to money and the lower economic status of the crack users.

great show tonight
good night everyone

Good Thursday evening. I found reading the live blog tonight very interesting. Lot's of opinions.