Tavis Smiley moderated a discussion focusing on poverty in the United States. Panelists discussed issues including the importance of education, prisons, welfare programs, the size of government, and the federal budget. The panelists generally criticized the administration for not focusing on poverty and Tavis Smiley called on President Obama to hold a “White House Conference on the Eradication of Poverty in America.”
Mr. Smiley’s annual forum was titled “Vision for a New America: A Future without Poverty.” It was held in the Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University.