Barack Obama, Blacks and Harvard Law

By Keith Boykin, in politics·race
Friday, January 26 2007, 10:45AM

Barack speaks at HarvardThe big political story of the past few days is Barack Obama's relations with black America. On Thursday, the Washington Post published a new poll that showed Hillary Clinton does significantly better with black voters than Obama does. Black Democrats in the poll chose Clinton by a 3-1 margin, 60 percent to 20 percent. That apparently has sped up a flurry of media interest about Obama's relationships with blacks.

In the past few days, both the New York Times and the Boston Globe have contacted me to find out what Barack Obama was like when we were in law school together. Here's the official story.

I attended Harvard Law School for 2 years with Barack. He graduated in 1991. I graduated in 1992. We were not close friends, but we were both well known on campus for entirely different reasons. Barack was something of a celebrity on campus even in law school. That's because he was the first black student elected as president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. I, on the other hand, was a campus activist, deeply involved in the movement for faculty diversity.

Harvard Divided by Diversity

The scene at Harvard in the early 1990s was tense and confrontational. Faculty members were divided about appointments and openly warring with one another in the pages of the New York Times and other major newspapers. One of Harvard's first black professors, Derrick Bell, had just taken a leave of absence to protest the school's failure to hire a woman of color on the faculty. At the time, there were very few women or minorities on the faculty, despite the fact that the student population was much more diverse.

Along with a few of my classmates, we launched an organization called the Coalition for Civil Rights, which was designed to get Harvard to hire more women and minority professors. Harvard claimed that they could not find qualified women and minority candidates to teach there. That's because they defined the "qualifications" in a way that excluded the work of so many talented lawyers and teachers. In order to be qualified to teach at Harvard, you had to have served on a major law review at a prestigious law school. That was a big hurdle to jump, but when Barack was selected as president of the Harvard Law Review, his election alone made our case for faculty diversity.

Although the Washington Post story raises questions about Barack's connection to the black community, I never got the sense that Barack was disconnected from the black community at Harvard Law School. In fact, almost every time I've seen him since law school, it's been because of the black law school connection. A few years back, Barack and I did a joint book event at Harvard put on by a black professor. And the last time I saw Barack was at the Harvard Law School Black Alumni event last fall.

Barack Supported Goal, Not Involved in Tactics

As I recall, Barack was always supportive and sympathetic to our campaign for faculty diversity. He spoke about it at one of our rallies. But he was not actively involved in the protest movement. Nor did he need to be. As I said, his presence alone made the case. And even if he agreed with the cause of the movement, he didn't need to be involved in the more radical protests we launched because our tactics were controversial on campus.

In my first year at the law school, I became instantly well known when I literally chased the dean of the law school across the campus. Dean Robert Clark was leaving a faculty meeting and completely ignored a student vigil being held outside. When I asked him to talk to us, he ignored me and kept moving. I picked up my backpack and my protest sign and started following him. When he saw me, he literally started sprinting across the campus to get away from me. So I started running after him to catch up. A photographer from the Boston Globe snapped a picture of us that appeared in the paper the next day. That's how I became known on campus.

After the vigil, we escalated our protest tactics. We took over the dean's office twice and held sit-ins until the dean would talk to us. We tried to take over the president's office once, but were stopped at the door after the office had been tipped off that we were coming. And when all else failed, we did the one thing we thought Harvard Law School would understand -- we took them to court. Eleven students filed an unprecedented lawsuit against Harvard for discrimination in the selection of the faculty. We argued the case ourselves, all the way up to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

As I said, those were controversial tactics, and most students on campus were not involved in them. Even the students who supported us didn't always support the methods we chose.

Politics and Harvard Law School

Like many of my classmates, I entered Harvard Law School thinking I might be interested in a political career one day. But not every one interested in politics chose the same path to politics. Barack, of course, chose the path of academic distinction on the law review. My classmates, Anthony Brown, elected in November as the second black Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and Juan Garcia, elected in November to the State House of Representatives in Texas, took a different path. They were both former military men who seemed ready to continue their careers in the service after law school.

Meanwhile, my colleagues in the protest movement, were juggling classes, extracurriculars and protesting. Linda Singer, appointed in November as the attorney general of Washington, DC, was one of the three key leaders in the movement, along with myself and John Bonifaz, a MacArthur genius grant recipient who ran for Secretary of State of Massachusetts last year. No one would have guessed that we would all take such different paths and all end up in politics.

After graduating in June 1992, I turned down a job working for a big law firm in California so I could work on the Clinton campaign in Arkansas. When Clinton won (my first successful campaign after 10 years of trying), I found myself unexpectedly with a job in the White House. I left that job after a few years to write my first book, and there I ran into Barack Obama again at a joint book signing event put on by Professor Charles Ogletree at Harvard Law School. Barack was there to promote his new book, Dreams From My Father, and I was there to promote my book, One More River to Cross.

I never imagined at the time that he would soon become a sitting U.S. senator running a serious campaign for president. I never imagined that he might be America's first black president. But now when I look back, perhaps I should have seen it. I didn't know Barack as well as others, but he always seemed focused and capable. Of all the people I met in law school, it's not surprising that he would be the one to do it first.

Comments (26) reveal

Comments conceal

seahawk
January 26 2007, 11:42AM

If he really wants to get over big with white America, he should pull a Tiger Woods: go on Oprah and say he's not Black.
Best move Tiger ever did for himself.

Jeff Hobbs
January 26 2007, 11:57AM

Keith you are amazing!! Maybe you should work to be the first black gay president!! Dream big!

Anthony Galloway
January 26 2007, 12:53PM

I believe Barack Obama is there to draw attention from Hillary. Hillary for some reason rattles people up and unfortuantely Barack is there to keep the attention off of her. His reward for all of this is an appointment in Hillary's cabinent maybe a VP spot.

Too much hype...to quick

brohemian[TypeKey Profile Page]
January 26 2007, 1:00PM

lol - seahawk, you crack me up! maybe obama could say that he's a kenyakansamerican (like tiger's "cablinasian")...

seriously, though, this is a pretty amazing story, keith. thanks for sharing it. i feel like i'm two degrees of separation from the senator.

JrnyWmn
January 26 2007, 1:16PM

lol- chasing the dean across campus...brilliant!!!

Dean
January 26 2007, 1:31PM

Please don't call Barack Obama black. He's biracial. His mother was white and his father black. It's racist to say that "one drop" of black blood makes your black. Please oppose racism in all it's forms and permutations.

Kenneth Winfrey[TypeKey Profile Page]
January 26 2007, 1:54PM

The media are doing two things that they've done in the past that irritate me a little.

1. They try to get the other candidtates to say that his lack of experience makes him unqualified. it's the beginning of a mud-slinging session that I simply do not want to see go on for two years (again). I don't know who's loving to watch the mudbaths; I'm not.

2. The implication that one Black man can speak for us all, or that all Black people should vote for him simply because he is of African decent is an over-simplification of the Black population. Obama has traits that I admire and that would make him a promising president. However, I think it is unfair (and prejudice) to (or not to) vote for him simply because he is Black.

I call him Black because he looks Black, and in the context of the presidential race, I think he'll be more often referred to as Black and not "bi-racial." It will be an expression of the expectations people have of him with relation to the Black community, not "racism" per se.

wordzfromche
January 26 2007, 2:04PM

@ Kenneth Winfrey: I like & agree with both of your comments, indeed brother.

With regard to Barack Obama's 'racial' make-up, c'mon now folks Senator Obama will most likely be perceived as 'Black' which is as we all know by now a social contruct to empower certain folks from European descent. But I digress.

Keith, I surely enjoy learning about your past. I knew you were someone special when I first came across this site many, many years ago --I think during the first year of it's public exposure.

wordzfromche

Ray
January 26 2007, 2:19PM

Don't let the media get you carried away with what Barack is: Black or bi-racial. Already, there has been too much of that. He is what he is! At the end of the day, we need to make choices on the basis of one's position and what one stands for. Once Barack enters the Presidential race, if he decides to do so, he will instantly become fresh and raw meat for the media. And believe me, they are anxiously that decision, just as we are, but for different reasons.

gs
January 26 2007, 2:52PM

It's a very sad state of affairs for black america when they'd rather put their future into the hands of a white race pandering opportunist woman who is holding her first public office than a highly educated black man who is holding his first public office. When will we leave the plantation and stop lookin' for massa to do for us! Thus the result of 40+ years of a government dependence mentality created by the white members of the democratic party.

Erick Boyd
January 26 2007, 3:33PM

Many African Americans may view Hiliary as more seasoned then Obama, however, when it is said and done many African Americans will still vote with their skin color regardless on how much black blook he has in him--because he looks black and that is all needed for African Americans. Regardless, I think who ever wins the Democrat ticket whether its Obama or Clinton will be a free landslide for the Republican party because this country is not quite ready for a minority president...black or female and as you all aware the uneducated are the ones who turns out in the polls in droves while the educated it will be pulling out wisdom teeth to get them out to vote! Unless Obama and Clinton can find a way to convey with middle America they will be complimented for a good attempt and maybe hopefully in their future they will win....well not in our lifetime.

Kwesi
January 26 2007, 4:22PM

GS, I have to agree with you. Time and time again we - Black America - show loud and clear that we're still falling into the scheme of "divide and conquer". Since Obama is highly educated, promising, a go-getter, AND a man of African descent (African-American), why should I, another person of African descent, not support him FIRST? We descend from people who believe in supporting the "village". But then again, Black America is grossly suffering from historical amnesia.

Yes, Hillary Clinton may very well be a great candidate as well. But if someone from my "village" (another person of African descent) desires a chance to make a difference, has the qualifications, is a great candidate, and he/she wholeheartedly wants to become the first U.S. President of African descent, you DAMN right he/she has my support!! We seem to forget that there was a time when “we” could not even vote! Let alone even try to run for political office! Oh yes, we have amnesia very bad!

Liquid Fonts
January 26 2007, 5:26PM

Saw Fox News with Marc Lamont Hill speaking on this issue recently. Now it's on Youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d022PYDWxGU

Doug Cooper-Spencer
January 26 2007, 7:34PM

Keith, back to the original question of Barack Obama's relationship to the black community: First I think the question itself tends to diminish our community to the state of being monolithic. We are not. However, I feel the real reason so many black people 'might' identify with Hilary is because of her familiar presence (her association to her husband who has the standing- - right or wrong- - of FDR to many blacks), and the fact that she has shown a record of relating to the social classes to which still a large number of us find ourselves in. Now, I'm not saying he wouldn't make a good president. I don't see why not. I mean, after all, from what I've seen over the decades, especially the last years, it doesn't take a genius to be president. And he does exemplify more intelligence than many others I've seen in office. But I believe his 'ivory tower' status has kept him, or given the impression of being removed from the everyday people. But only for now.

cmoney
January 26 2007, 10:45PM

Thanks for sharing your reflections on Barack Obama. I knew that you both attended Harvard Law, but I never made the connection that you were probably both there at the same time. I think the "black enough" question is ridiculous. If he grew up in America, he knows what it is like to be a Black man. I'm sure he has tried to hail a cab and had it pass him by for a White customer. He is a Black American, his wife is a Black American. His daughters are Black Americans. There is no evidence that he has tried to run away from his blackness, unlike Clarence Thomas' black Uncle Tom ass (Yale Law!--ugh) who grew up in the segregated South and has yet to meet a Black person he respects. No, we should not vote on race alone. Clarence Thomas proves you cannot go by race alone. But I have no problem "hooking this brother up" with my vote.

Ron Lee
January 27 2007, 9:03AM

I respect everyones' piont of view,but I think many of you are being hoodwanked by the National Press. Barak Obama is an African American in the truest since. However, America is not ready nor is he ready to be the first Black President. Mr.Obama simply has not been in Washington long enough. He is being over hyped by the white community for some reason as is Hillary Clinton; We've seen this before remember when our National press Annointed and cannonized George W.Bush. whoever replaces Bush will have a HELL OF A ADMINISTRATION. I would love to see a Black man as president of the United States but this is not the time. These white folks need to clean up their messes they have made around the World, We Black folks need to clean up Our Cities,Schools& Neighborhoods. Mr.Obama will be around for along time if he play his cards right. He's no tiger woods,the fact that he is married to a Black woman make that clear. "JOHN EDWARDS in 08" PEACE OUT!

karamale
January 27 2007, 9:45AM

dean...since when is calling somebody "black" racist? "black bastard" is racist.

TITI
January 27 2007, 10:19AM

Mr DEAN JUST READ HIS BOOKS.. OBAMA KNOW WHO HE IS..DEAN YOU ARE PROBABLY ONE OF THOSE LOSE KIDS GROOMED TO SELFSABOTAGE... CALLING YOURSELF ANYTHING BUT BLACK CAN MAKE YOU FEEL SAFE FOR A WHILE BUT THE WAKE UP CALL AHEAD OF YOU IS GOING TO BE BRUTAL....UNLIKE YOU OBAMA IS MATURE, WELL EDUCATED AND KNOW HISTORY.. FOR THE SICK OF HIS OWN MENTAL STABILITY, HE HAS REFUSED TO LIVE IN DENIAL. YOUR AWARENESS IS NOT FOR THE GOOD OF BLACK PEOPLE IN FACT IT IS FOR YOUR OWN STABILITY AND YOUR ABILITY TO FIGHT BACK AS A BLACK PERSON WITH DIVERSE HERITAGE.

cmoney
January 27 2007, 10:42AM

I have yet to hear any new reporter describe Barack Obama as anything other than a Black man. They often remark that he is the child of a Black Kenyan Man and a White American mother and then go on to say he could be the first "Black" president, not the first "bi-racial" President (there have already been a few of those, quiet as it's kept). Yes, he is bi-racial, but in America he is Black. Is that racist to call him Black? What about all those blue eyed "Indians" running casinos? Are they racist for denying their whiteness? Or just greedy?

James
January 27 2007, 2:41PM

I have done a little research on Barack Obama, and I'm overall impressed with what I've learned. I'm only 23, so I'm not going to be posting information as if I'm some seasoned critic on political affairs; however, I am aware of the most recent issues at hand. It seems to me that Barack isn't exactly removed from the Black community, or at all for the fact of that matter, and that he has supported/co-composed bills that improve the quality of life for people of color in general. I am proud to have someone like Barack, who shares my same heritage, as a figure in the politicay arena who's fighting for positive change in this country. I do see a need for extened education on international affairs and dealings on the part of Mr. Obama, and I also acknowledge his need for further worldwide political interaction. It will be a fine line between Obama and Clinton, I wish them both well.

J
January 30 2007, 10:14PM

I luuuv him. He's NOT black. I luuuv his wife, and his children are adorable. He's NOT straight. He will not be president. He needs to consider his safety as well as that of his family. With the amount of people he already has behind him, does he really need to be president to effect change?

william
February 1 2007, 5:02AM

This task that Obama takes on will test America. It will pit the haves and have nots, educated and uneducated against another. It will make or break the Democratic Party once and for all. Pay attention!!

Deejay
February 1 2007, 1:37PM

I hear ya, William.

That's why I quit the Democratic party - to vote as an Independent - after the last Democratic administration.

A lot of smoke and mirrors but at the end of the day, that network is for WHITE PEOPLE, the new "HONORARY" WHITE PEOPLE, and blacks who sacrifice other blacks in the name of blind ambition.

Omahagrl
February 18 2007, 1:56AM

First – Keith, you are fabulous I had some interesting escapades on campus as well, but chasing the dean would have never occurred to me. Second – I find Dean’s comment sad, just really sad. Finally, Hillary is a brand, people find her easily recognizable, just like Heinz ketchup, or Miracle Whip. Stokely Carmichael said “Politically, black power means what it has always meant … the coming-together of black people to elect representatives and to FORCE those representatives to speak to (our) needs. It does not mean merely putting black faces into office.” Hopefully, in the fullness of time we will get to hear less about race, preference and gender and more about how each of the candidates plans to address the needs of the country.

monkmo
March 3 2007, 11:07PM

This This is the nagging question that keeps coming back to me when I think about Barack Obama. Let us be honest, It is a question that comes to your mind also. What do we really know about the Senator from Illinois? I not talking about a black litmus test. I talking about that drum that speaks to the issues that are at the heart of people. A drum that resounds and is "Understood" by those that keep the faith and hope. The beat could be heard in the countryside of Haiti in 1804. It's powerful wave was heard again in Calcutta in 1949. The same beat that made Dr. King a drum major for peace and Malcolm X a man by any means necessary.

It is something that the Democratic party can not sign off on. His speech, good looks and acceptability to whites does not sell me. Bill Withers song comes back again, Who Is He And What Is He To You? 8 years as a state Senator and working in communities of color is his reasonable service. It is what we owe our ancestors for the lives they indured. The Democratic party is like

monkmo
March 4 2007, 12:09AM

party is like the girlfriend in the song. Black people and been holding her hand tight thinking that she is ours. Only to find out that she got someone on the side taking our place. We have been beaten, broken and belittled with years of misunderstood interest.

How does Obama change that equation for black people? He passed their white litmus test, but can he hear the drum? Can he gives us a beat ? All the things I am mentioning go to the heart of the matter. They are the heart of a people. If he can't hear the drum than he just another poster boy for America works. I leave you with this quote from one that heard the call of the drum. He has been passing that message on strong for years after his death. Here is the heart of the matter!!! It is a heart of a leader.

"I glory in the conflict, that I may hereafter exult in the victory. I know that victory is certain. I go, turning my back upon the ease, comfort, and respectability which I might maintain. I go to suffer with them; to toil with them; t


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