Tavis Smiley, journalist and author of several publications, including bestselling book, "The Covenant with Black America" hosted the first presidential debate at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) along with a panel of journalists who were all people of color.

This morning at The Center for American Progress, Tavis Smiley enlightened a packed room with people standing on the walls, sitting on floors about the importance of the African American voice. Sitting in the audience to my surprise was Dr. Cornel West, whom Mr. Smiley acknowledged as his older brother that he never had. Dr. West advised him by saying "You can't lead people if you love people, and you can't save people without serving people." Smiley went into the details of how we as people have to follow the needs of others in order to lead. What he accomplished last night was historical, as there has been no other event like this and how in SEptemeber, the Republican candidates will appear at the HBCU Campus of Morgan State University (Baltimore) to discuss issues that are pertinent to people of color.

Smiley noted that education, Darfur, and the Katrina aftermath came up for the first time last night after a series of debates. He acknoweleges that our current America is the most multi-racial, multi-cultural, and multi-ethnic America that "America" has ever seen. It is time that communities of color ask questions that aren't normally asked, or these communities will never see their needs met. Smiley cautioned African American votes to pay attention to the issues and the needs of our community and to make both Republicans and Democrats earn our vote for the 2008 election. "The black vote will be the most sought after vote for the 2008 election." With the likes of Senators Clinton and Obama toughing in out to gain the support of the black vote.

Smiley acknowledged the first question that was asked last night and how most of the candidates did not acknowledge the question about race, but only discussed the issue of the Supreme Court ruling. To the audience surprise, Smiley asked Dr. West to speak about race in America. I could barely pay attention for the first thirty seconds as I was in awe. He began to enlighten us how we as people must always follow a need because there is always something for us to do, regardless of race, gender, color, etc. He says to not worry about being sucessful, but being great. "Greatness comes from service."

Smiley tells us to ask ourselves what is it that we can do right now in our respective communities. Hold our political leaders accountable, go out into the community, talk to people, and talk to your leaders, it will be the only way in which we can be accountable.

What is my take on all of this? Listening to such intelligent men as these two, I have learned that there is more power and strength in my voice than I have realized. Sometimes I have felt in many times alone as I have strived to serve and be a better person in the community. I have realized that there is more strength and power inside of myself and I can thank Mr. Tavis Smiley and Dr. West  for their guiding words and incredible spirits that they both have to strenghten the hearts and minds of many Americans today.