Title: African American Ministers Endorse for Mayor

" This is radio Boston I'm Jane Clayson. Yeah and it's. Jeffrey Brown. President. -- last weekend a group of prominent African American clergyman converged at the -- church in Roxbury to announce their support of mayor Thomas Menino is reelection bid. Within hours the announcement had been made into a campaign web video NA test. Mayor -- has enjoyed consistent support from Boston's African American community."

" Over fifty years ago the city. Go and minds. Grandmother let me you. Boom -- your hand out. And Syria are gonna help. And today I am proud to say that the well is -- lives."

" Despite the mayor facing the toughest reelection challenge of his life. This demonstration of confidence from key spiritual leaders came as a surprise to few. Tufts University political science professor Jeff berry."

" They're endorsing -- because he's popular with their parishioners here also accepting ministers are going to be cautiously. Able to get out I had they're parishioners that creates problems that would in -- congregation so. After -- continents and do endorsement to receive twenty game African American ministers. Well as a strong endorsement. Good person that the pew."

" Not everyone in the black spiritual community is on board some are endorsing clarity. And at least one pastor Bruce Wallace sang the ministers should have presented a united front and the split is robbing Boston's black community. And an opportunity to plague quote kingmaker. We'll hear from pastor wall later this hour along with other African American clergyman who support both Menino and his challenger Michael -- We'll also look at the city's only black newspaper the bay state banner and its role in shaping public opinion ahead of November's election. Listeners have the leaders in your community of -- spoken out on the selection. Might that influence your vote and what issues do you think are Paramount for African Americans in this city election season. Join our conversation a 1804238255. That's 18143. Talk. You can also comment on line at radio Boston dot York. Radio Boston's David but -- has been visiting with some of Boston's African American congregations this week and he has this report."

" He's pulled -- quality."

" It's Wednesday night at the -- congregational church of rocker. The first of 39 revival called welcome the holy spirit. The pastor's doctor as an pines what a wonderful -- Loving god we said. Testimony fervor in hopes rise to the -- system. The -- hand raising congregation am minimizes the power of the black church in Roxbury which is dramatic. It's never away everybody putting it together come -- give -- praise on Norfolk street. A mile long there are at least twenty churches but the crisis."

" Did it wrong."

" But only weakness."

" Tell us. Commitment -- evangelism. In a sense of inevitability are also the hallmarks of winning political campaigns. In the black church has a long tradition of engaging in political struggle it's easy to understand why candidates come looking for endorsements."

" I don't think that the black churches ever distinctly. Exercise. On a separation between church and state. I mean if you go back to civil rights movement and the worked at Martin Luther King did was very political but indeed he was very much much a member of the clergy."

" At a stretch last week reverend Hynes joins eighteen other black ministers to endorse Mayor Menino for reelection. He always gets the job done said a minister who once led that ten point coalition. A group formed by ministers in the 1990s to help combat the gang problem we've not seen a return of the Boston miracle but indeed. The crime rate has been down. Progress for African Americans -- as far as education is concerned has has been up. For the young reverend Hines who grew up in Roxbury and came back to the -- congregational church's senior pastor three years ago. The political landscape may seem like new ground. But reverend Bruce wall of the global ministries church in cod and square has been working and agitating. And evangelize in that landscape for years. Do you believe that those endorsements Bud Black ministers carry great weight. With the parishioners absolutely they -- and reverend wore a self styled political outsider says he's furious."

" When the mail whistled and the black passes went downtown and -- to the left. And got the -- did biscuit. It bothered me that imagery on listening that's only twenty passes we have hundreds of black churches in this town."

" who says he was the one who first introduced Kennedy Menino to black pastors in the 1990s. He's turned into one of Menino is most outspoken critics. In 2005. Wal staged an occupation of a to a Chester street block controlled by prostitutes in gang bangers. The full break with Menino came in 2007. After the murder of a tourist when wall. Declared a state of emergency for the city because the mayor didn't we have more churches per block in the black community did you have in any of the the city. But yet we have the most harmless act something's wrong with that picture. I think that the black church needs to understand we could be the swing as well. He takes aim at two high profile alliance is of black ministers seen as the establishment. Ten point coalition and the black ministerial alliance both of which Menino generally involves in his outreach."

" The ten point coalition was given fifteen of twenty city street workers this summer paid for by the city here -- city street workers will pay for them. And you utilized him in the neighborhood in the community."

" Their little payoff there. Here in the realm of politics the realm that is caesar's and not God's. Creatures language is rough and accusatory. We'll also as the minister sold out had to pay the mayor back for favors granted. I would just intimidate look at the -- who stood -- go buy some of those churches and you'll see a sign outside of the church has this clergy packing only. You'll see one is -- in my church all of those who have the clergy packing only signed in the street. They support the man. Unfazed Hines says the walls claims that the ministers aren't credible principled or at one with the community. I just off base you know it's the same as expecting all of the past is to be on the same page is as far as anything is concerned you know clergy members and non. All of the same page as it concerns interpretation of the -- Why would we be on the same page as it concerns and -- can."

" Hot pants well done and that's well. And I and absolutely."

" We're all kinds do we agree that black ministers are called to engage politically. But where once the call was clear with Martin Luther King's invocation of exodus in the civil rights struggle. Where once there was direct with yes we can't and supporting the campaigns of Deval Patrick and Barack Obama. The endorsement of -- incumbent mayor running for a fifth term in effect supporting the status quo. Seems a more prosaic. And less lofty call. Reverend Kevin --"

" My take is that you're not going to effectively make substantial change by changing one person. Mayor Menino is one person I think we've seen that with the governor here in the state of Massachusetts as well. Three children ticket neighbor's hand. And let's go to the lord in prayer."

" What I'm mighty god Lisa. After many -- endorsement by -- in the eighteen other ministers last week opposing camp of Michael Flaherty announced. He'd be endorsed by at least an equal number of black ministers next week. The one message that would certainly send. -- that there is no monolithic black vote to be gotten. From the black churches of Boston a -- by putting it together."

" To the role."

" Let's from the digital. Listeners what do you think two faith leaders have a role in guiding their parishioners to one candidate or another easy and appropriate -- at 1804238255. That's 18143. Talk. Joining me now in the studio are three of Boston's most prominent African American faith leaders. Pastor Bruce wall -- we just heard little from he's with the global ministries Christian church and -- and square area Dorchester welcome to you -- thank you. Reverend Eugene Rivers pastor of the Susan Christian community in the four corner section of Dorchester. He was one of the twenty clergyman who announced their support for Mayor Menino last weekend and he pastor thank you. And finally reverend Christian Womack youth pastor for God's soldiers incorporated and a supporter of Michael flirting market welcomed programmer well thank you in this Christopher not Christian. Or else contact Christopher's duly noted here that Chris Wallace started it -- you why you think it's so important for. African American pastors to present a united. Political."

" Because we could determine the next mayor of the city of Boston week could be the swing pulled. If we stand on churches if we -- not motivate people to being gays get involved. -- out people community will not receive anything from city government."

" So it's your hope that if the black ministerial community were to vote as a block and Boston's black community at large would vote yes and we can say we did it. Why she voted to block and black ministers are not monolithic in their thinking. -- prison either is that African American to me."

" Because if we split. He won the one of the concerns that I have and I community is that community really is not engaged politically. And my issue is not with -- him in the you know always City Council Michael clarity my issue the past is is that -- was no real process. -- past is coming together and having that discussion as to whom we were going to vote for all we saw was passes came together. It was on TV many passes hundreds of passes -- left out."

" Fair enough but in David's piece we just heard you compare the ministers. Who endorsed Mayor -- to dogs showing up to collect their biscuits. It is is that did you mean it seems a bit inflammatory and absolutely."

" Much my concern is that there was some preaches who's said to me I really didn't want of these. I hit in the back. But the minute the man he gets something from me. -- hand and go. My position is city government should've done those things fall all of your churches and you don't host city government. --"

" So reverend rivers responded this -- one of the twenty ministers who endorsed Mayor Menino re hiding in the back -- reverend -- sold up to the manner which your response."

" Well. The last statements it's fine I mean that's part of the rhetoric. During an election season right they'll be all kinds of things and it says it is old classic James Carville line right. Which says that during a campaign. Youth -- all your enemies and when you win you -- your friends right so. The -- theatrics these rhetoric of in any election cycle. Always you know it's always overdrawn it's always over the top. Not so much my position is that. Com. The the black churches are."

" Effectively the provisional government of Black America. Just nationally that it you know the -- fit in a functional way back in an electoral way. Assemble a because an and that's true because the black churches. Economically and the one institution in Black America. That black people control -- finance is the leadership the whole nine snapped as quickly on you you'd you'd the first -- question. My senses. That black people -- smart if they do first of five their political portfolio. Shrewd people. That engage in the electoral process are those individuals who are smart enough to diversify what full."

" All right so what he's suggesting the reverend -- that. You -- groups minister Roland endorsement of the mayor's political. It's not a modular that -- looking for city funding for your projects that parking places whatever unaudited under Clinton inherited that you get what you want -- is that just the way politics is played in just playing politics by the -- out an album and."

" If you live on the planet earth. Right and you constrained by the same laws of gravity to constrain everybody else. And you have to conduct business he won -- fix the potholes you wanna get you know if you don't want services rendered. The smart thing that you do as opposed to the ideological or rhetorical thing to do. If you make a smart judgment. In this case but. Mayor Menino is gonna win the election. It'll be by a close margin that he feels comfortable and what if clarity wins are you gonna be left out without of course not -- he's -- smart -- an irishman god bless them from South Boston what that means is that that irishman is gonna do business. The guys who would that with him. In fact."

" He's gonna reach out to so that he and they'll be coming to him because he's the man aren't the reverend Mac jump and -- should Boston's black ministerial community have come to a consensus. On a candidate to support."

" Yes they should have because with the role that they play as pastors. People. In trust their soul to your guidance of -- in court justice soul and he should be able to entrust. The war natural things of how dated a living is going and it should they have placed could have led clinic day have. Now that's a deeper question and -- a gifted academically at least from them from an update. It should have been a monolithic vote just because of the monolithic approach of getting black people to vote in the first place we were all as all citizens are not citizens of the United States. I left out of the electoral process is so based on that we should still go forward as a vote it whether it be Menino and we go. Did you let let me I'd jump in here because does this -- endorsement. Weakened the power of the black and yes it does does it make it less likely that issues related to ask Americans are at work and that's why I'm here today because it's less likely that the real issues of the schools and crime and violence and things that affect the quality of life. This and we reverend rivers said he here as a businessman. -- and doors themselves that that. How the world how in the world so here to tell you why how the world you get to a point in place where you and the front page of every newspaper and because it looks like Menino is blown away and you just go back -- and represent his camp out Ali -- digital if you are the draft -- embarrassment. Because you said certainly. I have a monolithic vote yes so in order to try to establish credibility. And principal lights out as well as one community."

" Let me throw this out because on radio Boston dot org a listener has expressed some confusion. As to quiet -- leaders like you are so eager to mix religion and pilot and accident which which leads me. Then more broadly to this poll that was conducted by the Pew Research Center which asked Americans should houses of worship express views on politics. And of all the groups they looked at. Black Protestants from most likely to answer yes -- sixty absolutely sent so -- in your urges are these kinds of endorsements and political activism just expect and I."

" That is the presumption since black people got off the firstly if you listen. Black people have never accepted. The conceptual functional ideological bifurcation. Of the city of men in a city guy I'd -- backed Augustine right so our view was this will live on the planet earth. The black church has played a different role in the lives of black people because we was ladies. The black church with an institution created in slavery it was an all purpose institution. Because we did not have a state. All right so the black church became the provisional governing body. Where all services provided and this has been part of the history and the sociology of black religion says black people arrived here. In 1690. I -- get to some of the deeper issues in their industry specifically that later but I wanna get to the phone lines because they're jammed -- at the very first Jamal is on the line -- welcome to rid of Austin thanks for waiting hello."

" to everyone this is Jamal Crawford. Personal put up a couple of basic points and not number one I don't think that the black ministers. -- in the position of endorsing it on any one I think did their primary mission should be about political education to actually first. Are to actually first. Educate these keep the constituents. So there's been no processor that which led to no agenda. So there's a political endorsement without a political education we don't even know with a may have to stand on certain issues cause we didn't even act."

" Jamal I'm meg gonna let reverend wall again that was the issue that I said weeks that it might issues not -- him and you know or mental clarity there was no process. We needed to -- we needed to announce in the city that passes -- meeting. I had a process week evaluated candidates and they came out of the room and if we still came out of room on different sides it's at least we had a process it was all inclusive. This was not an all inclusive process. -- that was merits you know who may have rivers."

" That's a veteran -- I'm gonna go I don't want to tell you -- on this Lou now there aren't no. It is I think are are reverend Al it was though. Comprehensive. Debated consensus on Deval Patrick. Why why why does it -- us and we I'd get invited -- I. Invited by you invited but we had a meeting we sat with him there was a possible dialogue -- I don't know -- at this becomes the question see everybody's got clicks in crew. If I mean how it -- clarity are you don't know -- known who now knows and so some get invited them don't so this process. Of their being a community one died. Process for the development consensus that has never happened in the history we asked to have it with the black political task force one that -- Here's another look from regular guys let's connector Gardner Massachusetts easily on the line welcomed in Austin --"

" Hello Jane thank you very much reject leg I'll. And I just -- Let's put things and I am and I am so I'm buried very interest did it and what the black community has to offer. However I I must. Take a personal feeling embedded. That the founding fathers. Even know many of them work slave owners. Which one was found probably a little -- was found it follows the black the white. -- of the United States these -- Thomas Jefferson and George Washington the -- like yeah -- we -- citizens band when he went members of the country. So -- talking about slightly and talk about the separation of church and -- and the others. It -- that I don't think many people are contemporary. And that understand. Is that. Religion. Should not. Being -- deciding factor for. Politics. Nor should politicize them."

" Notes are there -- so I don't register -- and rivers -- point -- ministers and -- if I just know anybody of any -- questionable and went out and now the first of all the white founding fathers who was labeled. Have no moral authority is election this way on how we define the relations between faith and ultimately citizens I don't know don't have a right to vote -- on -- that -- have a right to vote. That's happening I don't you inquire as fast issue not alternate -- citizenship pizza slaves and then becomes the whole authority one -- at."

" Out of the Clinton. That we can that we can go wearing a moral authority and as someone even acknowledge argument how low enough so and it raises an option we -- game we're talking about and a hundred in the yeah hello."

" Three members of Boston's African American ministerial community and the reverend -- while you -- rivers and this woman. Listeners do you think faith leaders and T handing out political endorsements what do you think -- to -- argument that black ministers should present a unified front when it comes to politics. Which candidates do you think best address your community's interest in this year's city elections. Join our conversation 181438255. That's 18143. -- Point three my blog comments online radio bosses. This is -- a Boston I'm Jane Clayson we'll be right back."

" News Israel Boston I'm Jane Clayson. Yeah our. -- It's. Okay. Yeah."

" That's Michael clarity and and you don't. Inheriting -- ebony and ivory and I'm Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. We're talking this hour about a race the race for mayor of Boston with three prominent leaders of the African American. Community communities of faith in our city with me in studio is reverend Chris Womack a supporter Michael Flannery. You -- the reverend Eugene Rivers a supporter of Mayor Menino and reverend Bruce hall who is thus far maligned right in this race. I wanna get some of the issues in the election why you gentlemen have chosen your candidates. Pastor rivers and why he's thrown her support behind me many. For three reasons number one."

" It's V. Judgments it's a prudential judgment -- rooted in for me pragmatism. The reality is that. I had as most to read newspapers no. My share of differences with the mayor. But politics. Is the art of the possible it's not personal it's business from me. There's a prosthetics. In there is a practical side and one hand it to make the judgment call win. What what position you -- that so in this case we've gotten election. I'm supporting a Mayor Menino become it's that's the most practical thing to do for the constituents which I represent -- it's a litmus test."

" It's specifics here city's inner city to schools get the the mayors have sixteen years to improve inner city schools he says himself judge me harshly quote unquote judge me harshly and foolish yeah. And by all accounts inner city schools are still under performing quite significantly does that concern you."

" They get does and I think that the subject of inner city schools. It is more complicated. And cannot be reduced merely to the mayor that the -- got to accept his responsibility. For the things that he has control it from me on the issue of schools. -- abilities as an essential one. Parental supervision in terms of October the black community the black community. I think that. There are issues which revolve around family stability. And parental supervision. I think -- issues -- Charter Schools versus public schools I think it is is a brand new unions. That are very difficult to talk about about the mayor's action on -- and it is -- what I'm saying is as far as I can tell based on the facts. The mayor has done as well as any mayor is going to do."

" In his role as they hit a state of this is that what about you reverend Womack what do you think of the -- of record on improving schools and what do you think Michael Fuller any plans to do to help."

" The -- well just going back to your statement -- quote judge me harshly on how I'd do with the Boston public school system judging harshly -- sixteen years. To do somethin' that you'd do whether it be the appointment statue made on the school committee all of the relevant resource is that is needed in the classroom units sixteen years to bring that the -- you don't lead and extend it for years all he needed to check their record right now to what -- Michael flirted on and he's eight. In -- classroom to deal with the lack of protection. From the trauma their spirits and industry are in the community so you need some additional supports our it is also typically do things as far as. Allow -- autonomy to be with the principles so that principals have more control cut out of bureaucracy in accountability can go back to who is in the deal."

" All right that was about the phones Hyde Park Kirby is on the line Kirby -- welcome during a Boston."

" Thank you very much change. They might call I I really appreciate those that conversation. And I think that's you know my opinion is that the transportation really does not advance the community's interest. It's it's it's all about personal interest and its eastern track. I -- brothel -- milking and mayor and for endorsing fired in yield because we are looking into the future another and the fact. -- sixteen years they covered administration. How bad has not really done -- what school economic opportunities in and reducing crime you know -- and in the community."

" All right -- thank -- a jump -- for time's sake anchor resigning you know this conversation generally doesn't advance the community interest he's just your personal interest it's well."

" Now now. I work done as others did -- enough to have been on milking his campaign in 1983. I like others have watched the evolution. Of politics in black politics and Boston. The day at the future is a much more complicated. Deal than a word thinking through given the fiscal constraints. That the state and this city are under this so much more complicated game and it's and it it does involve more than campaign slogans from any candidate. Unemployment. Reverend among African Americans in Boston much higher than the overall average -- fifteen. Percent again the mayors had sixteen years to improve that -- a supplement that. I think that the issue of unemployment in this city is a real issue -- around the struggle between the black community and unions. That control by folk that don't look like black people and who work in black communities so there's a real issue I think that. What's the Suffolk construction all the major construction companies that friends of the mayor need to be confronted by the black community. So there is initial unemployment I think the black community and he would lecture to the plate rule need to be pressuring. All of the major. Construction monopolies the TV in the endorsement. At the exclusion of a number of passes hurts us in coming together at the -- this kind of discussion the threat of development well. Because I agree with you that we need to confront this organization we need to confront this we need to address these issues. But win twenty past the stand up to say we are going to support a candidate at the exclusion of all the other press passes will not bringing into the process. Then after the election it's more difficult to bring us together to talk about these issues that you. I hope remained Asa Bible I'm open to a more open and inclusive and process you'll -- You'll you'll but aren't you but not a number of the passes who's that with let me -- to they reverend Chris Mac your booster Michael -- isn't mentioned this -- in South Boston. During the busing crisis and."

" Wanted to question that asked him in my home is did you throw rocks at the bus when you with a little cute. That's what I want to start off because we cannot overrule where you apart and rocked wall committee if you -- to be the next mayor and his town so well back to little whether Lebanon let's let me ask the question -- is why. July is Michael -- your choice. That's what I'm here when let's go back to the situation and did they sit near redefined in the black church into doubt the man at the larger issue I'm not in on that I'm. Ask a personal interest I'm here with the voice list bills that have quarry bill that are -- out of prison that don't have second chance opportunities. Build at a ducking bullets are -- harassed that people that don't look just like them -- back to the union issue I cannot -- unions under the bus did we ever come front. Union represented as big as it did say if none of your leadership ever came to me and said that there was an -- dot and how you'll do count but that also when it comes to confrontation. As it relates to this if you -- why am I support and clarity opportunity. We already know there's no opportunity. It's beyond business it in that goes back to personal interest if you try to do. The business as usual business as usual or keep. A thousand black young men die in an 84000. Plus us citizen to be a little bit and things of that nature we just can't allow to happen -- our --"

" Passing this law and pastor Bruce wall use your undecided in this mayor's race even very critical of Mayor -- are you leaning toward. A going to be making a decision this weekend as to whom I'm going to support I'm going to make a decision."

" I'm not going to sit on the sidelines river -- and I am going to have a discussion this weekend."

" I would love to be there. Yeah it doesn't there's a lot more to talk about -- and coming from went ahead and I think after my guess is that our. There it lively discussion. In my -- have all of global ministry entered thank you very much. Reverend Eugene Rivers after the music production community thank you damage. And every -- won't have guns soldiers incorporated thank you very much. When we come back we'll look at the role of Boston's only African."

" American newspaper in shaping public opinion ahead of November's election. Since the many administration save the bay state banner with a 200000. Dollar loan questions have been raised about the publication's editorial independence. In an election year some people say you know that well -- what else is known I think this video until. Listeners do you read the banner are you happy to get back. Give us a call 181438255. That's 1804 TV talk radio Boston much more ahead on Jane Clayson of the."

" Need his -- Boston I'm Jane Clayson. The black church isn't the only African American institution that exert influence in the city's elections. Pretty Abbas and David O'Leary joins me now to talk about a couple of the other African America. American power -- and their role in the man's race I think so one of those power -- in his own right as milk king it's founder of the rainbow coalition. Legend among activists himself the first black candidate to run for mayor in the biggest turn -- election and the city's history tell us about the endorsement that he made earlier this."

" That's right king was joined by former mayor Ray Flynn and endorsed clarity and clarity unofficial running mate Sam -- And they made their endorsement together which gave it all its symbolism in power because in fact it was back in 1983. That Flynn and king ran against each other. Flynn took great pains to say that Mel king made him a better mayor. And king for his part who did endorse the use for the primary. Embraced this partnership of clarity in -- as a great step forward for the city."

" I'm here because this combination. Clarity you. Is as symbolic. The importance of bringing people together as anything that's happened here in the city of Boston. People are different backgrounds. Can come together and unite to work to make to see. Better than."

" Interesting let me ask David about this shift. There's another important institution in the African American community it's the bay state. A banner newspaper which had to cease operations earlier this year because of serious financial problems than it was three started. After getting at 200000 dollar loan from the city of Boston give us -- how important is this paper in the African American community."

" Yeah it goes back to height of the civil rights movement in 1965. Mel Miller and his brother decided to give voice to a community that hadn't had one -- and covered no way that. It hadn't been covered. There was some terrific reporting some terrific reporters -- started there over the years. And I spoke to some people in the community last week about what that paper means to them."

" Is -- an important equity."

" Mine ignited things over the move reflects a lot of the things that's going on an inmate in a community and infamy to be in a product of rushed straight Phyllis systematic and myself. I think that banner comes the closest that keep keeping me into."

" And you read about things in the -- that you won't necessarily lead in the global account. 1 thing that I am I love about the newspaper is that it constantly give a lot of ways to. -- children at children doing a lot of great things."

" After that city bridge loan Mel Miller who had harshly editorialized against the airman you know earlier this year said he was not going to endorse anybody. In the preliminary. Elections that's raised some questions testament. -- it -- would -- said wasn't yet. And there are lots of questions that the human race absolutely but that what you need to know Bo Mel Miller is that. No Miller invented. Contrary I mean this is the regional contrary in its interest in one of these heroes is a Boston. Black newspaper reporter like intellectual William Monroe Trotter. Here is no Miller Latin school Harvard Columbia law old Boston Stanley former assistant US attorney. Always marched his own -- never endorsed -- back in 1983. And people work form remembered that he editorialized in favor of bank mergers. Which means that he lost all those advertising those bank of small banks or advertising. With him over the years and advertising with a lot of money because of the mergers having written what you wrote about Menino beforehand quote. No self respecting African American can vote for -- if he chooses to run again. The fact that Mel Miller would choose not to endorse a candidate for mayor after me except in the loan from the city does have some people wondering if he's been silence but. You know one of his former staffers told me said to me if you think you can buy anybody can by -- Miller good."

" In February thank you very much. Listeners what do you think about the basing banner give us a call on this issue 1804238255. That's 1800. -- Joining me now on the line for for the perspective on this is Pulitzer prize winning journalist Kenneth Cooper longtime reporter at the Boston Globe. Now editor of the try to review at the -- institute for the study of black culture at UMass Boston. He's also contributing writer for the based banner. Ken Cooper welcome turn of -- nice to have you with us. It also on the line Boston Globe metro columnist Adrian walker welcome back to the programs there. Adrian walker let me begin with you know when the banner first receive that city alone at 200000 dollar loan back in July. You wrote a column expressing reservations about the deal he wrote. When I talked with Mel Miller publisher Mel Miller a couple of weeks ago as he was shutting the paper down he declared that either of the -- primary challengers would be preferable to many now. Will the many know financed banners say that in its pages -- endorsed him you know Michael -- for mayor on the city's dime and quote. Adrian walker has the fear you express in that column been borne out by the reality of this the use ensuing months over the paper."

" That's so far feel like could have been here Taylor I would really like to see the -- endorse a candidate from. And -- and take a position in the has something to because it's such importance -- ensure -- an important thing for them to do and it's you know little disheartening that they chose not to."

" Is -- the optics of this their most concerning to just looks bad."

" Well it's not just the optics so that I mean we all have said for years but he can't be in the mean nobody thing and step from ago. I think bishops say that in the paper -- you know if it's not just optics please stop saying it -- needles saved the tape. Looks terrible."

" We invited to a publisher -- Miller to appear on every Abbas today he declined. And he referred us to his earlier statements on this matter said -- that they were proof. Enough -- was proof is in the paper. Indicating that the -- continues to report critically about the mayor Adrian do you think the banner has continued to be an independent observer incident politics."

" with you know yes I mean Melville independent thinker absolutely but but you know observed an inherent conflict in this -- and in the you -- know can't explain it away by just saying I'm an independent person and developed liquid assets six months ago."

" In honesty he wrote a strongly worded editorial. Pointing out among other things the public radio. Receives a percentage of its funding from government sources and nonetheless is able to function with editorial independence so. Why can't banner Adrian walker your response to that."

" Public and other persons in the put. The good the proposal to the purpose and you know people -- but whether the -- supplement of independent of the as the."

" Let me bring -- Ken -- do you think your good friend Adrian Walker's concerns are are overblown cam."

" Although I think that it does it -- I think it little context is needed here. Go back to 2005. They made that statement or that would be eliminated exit from mayor backed the endorsement. The only endorsement that you -- you know and the week before at the general election. 70. That the band -- and endorse yet. That means much. It doesn't endorse at all I think it. My good friend might have a better and now I would say this to him. Commentary about you know music and Perry. Contrary to his own opinion it's time. People voted -- about -- that black person who needle but. Two months before they added the ability to realize that the union has been in the back into the -- and it may quote. And you know an endorsement."

" This is such a high profile election Ken Cooper -- the most serious challenge. Of Mayor Menino is tenure I mean. When when the banner -- editorial says no self respecting black -- can vote for Tom Menino on and why wouldn't the banner endorsed this year do you think."

" Well it may well yet a couple of weeks it to make of the mine and I think mail without what ethnic a little bit about fact that all of lot of black people. Some stuff with the fact that it -- with incumbent mayor in the preliminary election. That's his audience to. -- I would suspect actually most bought Sony venue for the mayor go -- news. Got that mind made up about Wii is in the opinions of others including. But if -- Sense of who Mary is and you know perspective. It's true generally it even daily newspaper endorsements don't move that many votes. We've beat it select banners. I caliber that there -- movement."

" Mel Miller told the Boston Phoenix and recently that he decided not to hand out endorsements in the municipal preliminary. Election because of the City Council field was so large and here's his quote he said there were a lot of candidates who -- pretty good. I said hey let's let that play out and watch what happens and quote. And we should sit Miller told us this week he hasn't ruled out making any endorsements in the future and do you buy that explanation. Adrian walker you first."

" Yeah sure absolutely you minister prerogative to decide not to endorsement counselors. And we'll see what they do in the -- is right might you know they might endorse somebody that we just don't know yet. But it's united a different situation there's --"

" 1804238255. Is our number 180423. Talk. -- gentleman you are both observers of the city -- what are the issues facing the African American community that are coming into play in this election."

" I think the top concern it the I think housing is another concern is the rate of foreclosures the cost of -- What kind of job and much. They. And then there are issues gang violence. Which to -- spot in America but in ways that -- On deleterious to the prospect of young people of these prospered. These and distances from the girl and all of this issue schools which is the perennial. Achievement cheap -- They've built -- jobs. Housing education and game by."

" Adrian walker to your mind."

" I agree with the list Stover put too little slightly different order to -- I think crime is actually the biggest issue. With education comes at a closed circuit you know that this city has been so people in general but if you look at. You know Roxbury Dorchester America you know the picture is a lot different and I think -- different people you'll in the people who live in those neighborhoods -- at the at the American people the crime is a big concern in the schools of course sorrows be."

" Well let's talk more about the schools because. There many say that Mayor Menino has not improved. Those schools over sixteen years his tenure what Canon mayor do. Well what what power does he really can't can Cooper."

" Well I mean. His status that there insisted on a policy electrical mean putting -- inside the vehicle is the kind of managerial and I think that it doesn't Indians make much difference -- it make -- mayor accountable. So he's hired -- superintendent. People who think well. The follow up tick in the schools is not just what happens in the schools that affect achievement. And take creative leadership. And -- the superintendent levels of principle level. To connect students who need them -- the services they need so that they come to school here to learn. And frame of -- them."

" But you mention it to school claiming that turned out to be and ended up being very racist -- those days now."

" Where else will. Close races I would just -- It it's not got off but some people were very committed to. -- in the -- in the late John O'Brien. Well I think actually had a heart broken. -- me. Abolished. But I think the more important point is that. I don't think that kind of managerial change -- Putting the -- art is regret it very much. Point of delivery of services -- more important -- And the caliber. Cool."

" Adrian walker what does the African American community know about Michael flirting. And it is their concern that about his approach to African American issues should --"

" I think that we have so the question that is largely an unknown quantity and I think that's part of the problem. It's not really about specific issues is -- for example a quarter for which isn't it. Which has been an issue that's -- important we have an American community but they just don't know that much about it you know the just haven't -- around. Over the years in office."

" Thank Cooper what's your answer to that question."

" Well I know that the Republican base stayed there. -- members and think they're highly effective Michael they are supported Ralph Merritt from Marten and African American district attorney with that when it first. Run for election and worked on it stand -- fought back when. It was visible polarized like all hope it. So some people remember that I think actually one of his problem with the African American vote I think voters in general and unseeded com. Is that quite effective in the count -- look at -- well. And I think you know if people riled up without an incumbent and -- along. He's got to get people ask him about the one that. Have to convey it and that. And he tends to be cautious. Very. Further -- Yeah that's probably agree with that and that I think that. The group -- its campaign but it is not articulate the strong enough reason for change -- speak."

" I appreciate evil for your time thank you very much Ken Cooper editor of the Trotter review with the Trotter institute for the study -- black culture UMass Boston and contributing writer for the base state. Banner Ken thanks very much thank you and Adrian walker metro columnist for the Boston Globe Adrian thank you pleasure. -- synergy can continue the conversation at radio Boston dot org. Next week and radio Boston the Boston folk festival is coming to town and we're gonna be thumbing through the many works of fiction set in our city. If you know of an author who really got Boston right. Or perhaps terribly wrong let us know about it radio Boston dot pork. We received a lot of comments and emails about the conversation earlier this hour. Liz Perkins wrote this is not a discussion it's three angry black man with serious listening issues. It's black on black verbal abuse a waste of time for WBUR. And an embarrassment to the black community. Paul Quincy agreed that the conversation may have been too racially charged. Steeped in the politics of race and race hatred he wrote. Some of these ministers are big part of the problem in current Boston society as opposed to part of the solution of the timing problems we all face in this community. Katie Barnes had a comment about the substance of the conversation. Michael clarity has not supported people and communities of color in Boston and has only begun to visit them for votes. He comes into our communities acting like a flight savior and expects people collar to bow down to him and give over the -- Clarity supporters or anyone else who wants to chime in go to our website. Radio Boston."

" Our program is produced by Adam legacy and Jessica Albert with help from our interns TB hard. A field hostess David the weary -- is our technical director of the senior producer of radio Boston's Marc. I'm Jane Clayson enjoy the weekend. Join us again next week or any of."