@G - the politics of the early 20th century, where there was a need for a huge federal fist to blunt the forces of many racist 'state' fists, is not the same as the needs, and therefore, politics, of the African-American community today. Only a federal initiative could end segregation in the federal workplace, integrate the armed forces, create federal statutes that prosecuted criminals that the states didn't want to touch. (remember, Al Capone owned Chicago. He was never, ever convicted of the scores of murders and thuggery he committed in Illinois. Al Capone was finally sent to prison...on tax exasion...a federal statute put in effect particularly to blun organized crime).

What...exactly...are the demands of African-Americans today that should be placed on the table before any candidate for any office? Especially a higher level office like the presidency.

The most serious of African-American concerns are urban concerns...where the majority of the 22% chronically poor black americans are located. Any urban agenda (inter-urban transportation, job-training, subsidized day-care--since more than 70% are single mothers, federal work-study and college grants, etc,...any of these will automatically benefit African Americans.

So...call it urban. Join with other urban folks and lay it on the table before anyone running for office.

What then...are these African-American demands.

Other ethnic groups in America, the Jews, the Armenians, usually pressure a president regarding things related to the powers of the presidency, (mostly foreign affairs), the Jews: relations with Israel, the Armenians: recognition of the Armenian massacre by the Turks.

That's fine. Our congressional black caucus usually lobby for the Caribbean and Africa. In September, in D.C., there is a huge weeklong event where the various representatives make themselves available for suggestions.

Beyond that, I think that 45+ million African-Americans represent a diversity much greater than you realize.