Did CNN get it right?

No! CNN did nto get it right. The show should have been titled: "Black and Poor in America"

The whole show seemed to focus on struggles that really only affect a small part of our community. They did little to show the issues of middle-class black america.

There was no serious talk about racism, sexism, or homophobia in our community...

The show just played up old tired stereotypes about the "trials and tribulations" in our community.

I'm really starting to think that there is a propaganda machine out here to convince black folks that we are all f---d up. The continued focus on the negative and on how "bad" or men are is only perpetuating the worst stereotypes about black people.

Didn't waste a minute with it, as the hostess does not say she is black and has a white husband, what does she know about black America?? And they dealt with the same old mouths pieces from the ads and same old negative issues they always do to "represent" black America. And why black America? Why not Hispanics? Asians, oh yeah, they don't exist to the boardrooms of these alleged "networks." More negative propaganda and lies about blacks.

I'll have to watch the 2 part special on July 23rd & 24th - "BLACK IN AMERICA" - on CNN. The episode over the weekend just scratched the surface of the issues facing Black America. Also, the host Soledad O'Brien is bi-racial. Her mother is black (Afro-Cuban). She could easily pass for white only so I do appreciate her work regarding this special on CNN.

Sheryl Lee Ralph was the best part of that show last night POINT BLANK and she may be the less educated and not a "SERIOUS JOURNALIST" but she brought the heat and spoke with passion and emotion in her voice. TD Jakes should just stay in the pulpit, nothing his bible toting self says makes any sense. Cornell West yes you are a very smart man. But just stick to lecturing.

It was lame and something out of the 1990's on PBS without the quality of research, nothing new or showing the changes of black America. And, Mr FAMU is spot on with his assessment. And, sorry, O'Brien could not pass as 'white' she is a light skinned black woman, and nothing else, and, a not so good anchor for that matter.

The panel appeared to be made up mostly of wealthy black folks who've been educated in the best U.S. Universities. What the hell do they know about poverty and growing up in violent, single parent households?

Deny or ignore it if you may, but until the poverty is addressed in this country for black folk or otherwise, we're all in it. Some of these folks are five minutes out of the poverty lines and suddenly they have arrived and can look back down on their poor brothers and sisters and talk condescendingly about how tired or how unnecessary this is; however, the poor might be with us always but the poor have also helped to bring down some great civilizations. If you don't like what Soledad had to say, produce your own documentary.

I can't take Cornel West seriously. He looks like and idiot. As smart as he is, you would think that he would understand the value of good grooming and dental care. Appearance counts. I don't care what you are saying or how you say it--if you look like a mad man, you will be regarded as one and ignored.

Regard;ess of race the middle class does not exist anymore. The people who were middle class are now the poor. The people who were considered poor are now in the slave class.

Every man and woman in America has to step up to the plate and do something if you want change. Real Change. Soledad O'Brien is doing her part the best way she knows how, through her acess to media. whos next?

No they did not get it right, that was a hot mess at best.

I'm right there with you Bryant. If we want change we've all got to step to the plate. Each and every one of us.

My concern is how leadership in black community is portrayed as Christian, economically savvy, and aspiring to be well educated and Ivy League if possible. I'm not sure what the goal is, a nation of Oprahs and Obamas? I grew up in a Crips neighborhood and found that Buddhist peace offered me a way out. Today I teach Buddhism in Oakland and would like to say that, "I too am black in America." My story: http://rainbowdharma.com/festivalscreening/theater1.htm Lama Rangdrol

No, CNN did not get it right; although they should be commended for their honest attempt. Their first and foremost error, was to do what has been done from the beginning, and that was to separate the Black Man, (with two different shows) from that which he created, his Wife, the woman and his family the children. With this rule in place, the story will remain dismal at best. I do thank CNN for finally acknowledging the very simple fact that all so called African Americans are BI-RACIAL. Within the context of the story, CNN has turned the hearts, or minds no less, of the absintee Fathers, Caucasian America, to their children who were borne by African women, thus creating Black Ameria. I also find it very interesting that CNN has this sudden burning desire to have the inside track concerning all things Black in America. I for one believe that the candidacy of Barack Obama has spurred interest in a segment of America that has been vastly ignored and dismissed,with the exception of those who have excelled in Sports or the Arts. Please be mindful of the fact that CNN's biggest question for weeks after the Democratic Primary election was how in the hell did a little inexperience nobody, that nobody ever heard of 4 yeas ago manage to not only organize a effective Campaign Staff, but also run a flawless campaign, beating out the 35 years experiences of a Rhrodes Scholar and former Presdient of the United States, and his "brillant" political suave Senator wife, with few exceptions: most of which were created and fueled by the Media. Let's not fool ourselves here, up to this very minute,our Country's GNP has been Racism. And we now find our Country in the mess that it is in because we have spent our best efforts maintaining the status quo rather than searching out the best and the brightest, to solve our Country's ills. It is my hope, that CNN's attempt to bring the issue of Black in America to surface will somehow create a new enviroment inwhich America can began anew, with leadership that truly represnts the best amoung us as a Nation. And it would be nice if the News media including CNN would return to the day when they just report the facts. Also, I am very happy to discovery your News Service, "The Daily Voice," and having had a very few, (with Integrity) in many many years in Los Angeles, I wish you well in your endeavor. Janet, Los Angeles