WASHINGTON – On the surface the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a piece of legislation that outlawed various forms of discrimination. But over time what it actually did was change how people in the United States felt about each other.
The Trayvon Martin acquittal and the implications of racial profiling associated with the case have lawmakers questioning if they can again legislate the American attitude towards race.
On Tuesday, the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee met in an open hearing to discuss race and justice in America. The hearing eventually centered on the need for Congress to help black men achieve upward mobility.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) proposed the question to the panel.
“What would be the response if we came together as a Congress and wrote an omnibus bill dealing with African American men and boys on the issue of education, incarceration and healthcare?” said Jackson Lee.
In 2012 report by the education group, Schott Foundation for Public Education, only 52 percent of black males graduate from high school compared to 78 percent of white males.
One in fifteen African American males over the age of 18 is incarcerated according to a 2011 study by the Pew Research Center.
“I don’t see that happening. Do you?” said panelist Eugene Robinson, columnist for the Washington Post. “That does not mean that Congress should not try.”
Maya Wiley, president and founder of the Center for Social Inclusion, also said Congress should try no matter how long it takes.
“I think that it is critically important that Congress, even if it is a slug fest, Congress should slug. Because the only way we make progress is by our elected officials being willing to call the question,” said Wiley.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee said there is no current bill in the works to address issues facing black men, but she is excited about the concept of it.
She said that an omnibus bill, or a bill addressing multiple issues, will make a major statement.
“I envision for a omnibus bill to be able to allow for a major public discussion. And if you get people thinking about solutions they will not be intimidated about that fact that you are talking about race,” said Jackson Lee.