Washington D.C. - A lot of people have been critical of President Obama's lack of movement on addressing race relations in America. In 2008, Rev. Jesse Jackson criticized Obama's campaign messages of personal responsibility for blacks as "talking down to black people." Jackson also claimed that Obama had not articulated the need for the government to take more responsibility to help African-Americans. Later, best-selling author and speaker Tavis Smiley suggested that Obama made a major mistake when he declined an invitation to speak at the 2009 State of the Black Union in February.

To better understand Obama's position on race, we must look at our prior attempts to bridge the racial divide in America. We can do this by observing the roles we play as individuals and communities. More importantly, we should pay close attention to several key viewpoints from the President himself.

Any discussion of race in America, especially where blacks are concerned, should begin with its important figures. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was the most influential leader in the African-American civil rights movement, is someone we should strive to emulate. King's work to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means was a momentous challenge. Through activism and determination, King was able to energize blacks and raised public awareness of the civil rights movement. But King couldn't fight America's racial problems alone and neither can Obama.

Today, our approach to racial and social agreement should continue with Dr. King's approach--intelligent dialogue with a strict analysis of facts. We should not, however, expect President Obama to offer definitive solutions. Even if he meets with influential blacks, or pursues racial dialogue between all ethnicities, Obama knows the risks of confronting such matters and understands that there are no quick fixes.

Obama demonstrated his ability to multitask and prioritize when he began attacking the country's economic downturn and foreign policy issues as President-Elect. He assembled a team of economists and analysts who helped him focus on joblessness, healthcare reform, two wars, and education. With a climbing unemployment rate, Obama aimed to create the New American Jobs Tax Credit, which is designed to provide a new temporary tax credit to companies that create jobs in the U.S. He also offered a solution to help revamp the healthcare system by promoting technological advances and improving preventative care. Further, Obama began speaking with military officials about closing the controversial prison at Guantanamo and devising an exit strategy to end the war in Iraq.

But many blacks felt like something was missing. Where did Obama stand on race? What plans, if any, did he have to confront racial injustice and discrimination?

No one expects the President to fix all of America's sociogenic problems, but many have noticed the absence of race from his current agenda. Even during his presidential campaign, we never heard Obama's plans to address racial injustice, or what steps he might take to solve the problems plaguing African-American men. Instead, Obama acknowledged a history of discrimination and racial imbalances. He talked about anger within the black community, accountability and focused on healing.

As President, Barack Obama has been forced to engage a multitude of financial, political and international issues inundating the U.S.--all of which are more tangible and within his immediate control. Race relations in America is a much bigger social matter to contend with and it can't be influenced by signing executive orders. The position Obama has taken on the nation's issues doesn't show a lack of interest in race, nor has race relations been categorized as less important.

Not since John F. Kennedy has a U.S. President been commissioned to bring varying cultures and colors together on such a large scale. It was during the Kennedy presidency that many blacks in America felt they had an advocate in our nation's capitol. Those feelings are three-fold with President Obama in command.

Obama's own multiracial background has established a foundation for growing beyond racial boundaries. His climb to the presidency has motivated not only blacks, but several ethnic groups throughout the world. The President can undoubtedly impact race relations more than anyone in history and he will use this historic position to help bring change to how we view race in America.

No matter how he handles topics about race in America, everyone won't be happy. The attention he gives to racial matters will have its supporters and protesters. Still, Obama's record speaks for itself, and his perspective on race is has been documented.

In a 2008 speech about race and politics, then Senator Obama talked about the declaration of independence being "stained by this nation's original sin of slavery." He also addressed the insensitive remarks made by his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright and explained his view of race in the U.S.:

Though an effective leader like Barack Obama can be a catalyst for change where race is concerned, we must recognize our own responsibilities with race. Race has consumed our nation since it was founded and we shouldn't expect Obama to have immediate answers. He won't offer specific solutions, or assign responsibilities to a particular ethnicity. That isn't his job.

His job, as he sees it, is to be an inspirational leader who won't forget the past, but knows we need to work together to move forward. It is no surprise that this was also the wish of Dr. King.

Obama's legacy will not be his extraordinary defeat of the social cancers that have been lodged in American society for hundreds of years. He won't be responsible for ending racial profiling, or reducing the black prison population.

As an ingenius political figure, world leader, and supporter of human rights, Obama's real contribution will transcend race.

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