PBS Host Tavis Smiley to moderate conversation on Recovering America’s Greatness
Panelists to Consider What the Future Holds for the Next Generation
Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — Two costly ongoing wars, a fledging economy, a failing educational system, and job losses have Americans worried not only about the fate of the country but its legacy as a global leader. This January, broadcaster Tavis Smiley will convene a panel of thought leaders to wrestle with how America can return to its greatness.
“We are all aware of the challenges we face in our country. In fact, many other countries are facing some of the same economic and social issues. But what’s striking for some of us is the slide in our global standing. On so many indicators we are lagging behind where we were once considered a front runner,” said Smiley.
The nationally televised discussion, America’s Next Chapter, will be held from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, January 13, 2011 at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is requested at www.americasnextchapter.com.
The event will broadcast LIVE on C-SPAN Thursday, January 13. The conversation will rebroadcast for three nights on Tavis Smiley on PBS beginning Tuesday, January 18 through Thursday, January 20. The conversation will continue during The Tavis Smiley Show and Smiley & West from PRI (Public Radio International).
Panelists include, among others: Cornel West, Princeton University professor and author; David Frum, speechwriter for former President George W. Bush and founder of FrumForum; Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post; Dana Milbank, lead political columnist for The Washington Post; Helene Cooper, White House correspondent for The New York Times; David Brody, CBN News White House Correspondent and Maria Teresa Kumar, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Voto Latino.
“How do we rebuild cities with empty homes and no jobs? When does economic recovery really happen? Have we become a nation that is good at destroying things (i.e. school programs, health services, libraries) and the salaries that go with them?” Smiley added. “If this is true, what should be our response as the citizenry to take part in the recovery? Perhaps we are the ones with the answers as opposed to government or even big business.”
