Pop, politics and race collide in this month’s issue of EBONY magazine, which features a remarkable photograph of a dozen top-level, African American advisers (most of whom are women!) to President Barack Obama. It was never certain that the first black president would have a particularly black administration (though the campaign’s reservoir of young black talent was a hint). But this photo puts any doubts to rest.
Given the nation’s deep pool of management and political expertise, especially within the Democratic party apparatus, it’s all the more impressive that folks like Domestic Policy Adviser Melody Barnes, Attorney General Eric Holder, senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, Faith Office Executive Director Joshua DuBois, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and deputy Chief of Staff Mona Sutphen anchor this historic administration—which also includes Latinas like Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Asian-Americans like Energy Secretary Steven Chu and VA Secretary Eric Shinseki. America, it seems, is being run by a legitimate rainbow coalition.
The issue also profiles hoopster LeBron James, South Carolina politician Bakari T. Sellers, and Bill Cosby as part of Ebony’s annual “Power 150” list of the most influential black Americans. And, to my surprise, it celebrates the record number of people of color in the White House press corps. Kevin Chappell, a friend at the White House, explains:
EBONY magazine has gathered for the first time these nearly two dozen journalists in the White House press briefing room for a historic photograph of Black writers, editors, producers, correspondents, photographers and cameramen. They range from energetic newbies covering their first administration to grizzled veterans who have seen presidents come and go. They work for a variety of outlets, including mainstream media, African-American mainstays and Internet-only operations. While many of them were proud at the thought of the first African-American president, these journalists each day ask the tough questions, reject evasive answers and go after the news wherever it may lead. It's not personal. It's their job.'
Well, we try.
—DAYO OLOPADE
UPDATE: AOL has an outtake from the Briefing Room photo shoot.
Covers the White House and Washington for The Root. Follow her on Twitter.