New year means opportunity to reflect on past, plan for a brighter future

Guest Editorial

With the holiday season over and 2008 upon us, it's time to reflect upon the past year and assess our achievements and setbacks in order to start the New Year anew.

Last January, the African American community observed several firsts. Election Day 2006 paved the way for the installation of new congressional leaders, including the first ever African American chairman of the powerful House Ways & Means Committee - New York Rep. Charles Rangel. Rangel was joined by a handful of other Blacks ascending to leadership, including South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn.

In March, the National Urban League unveiled its Homebuyer's Bill of Rights in response to the …