Interview: Alice Walker speaks on Obama’s leadership
African-American writer and political activist Alice Walker believes President Barack Obama is a huge disappointment especially to black people in the US, many of whom had hoped that a black president would improve their fortunes
INTRODUCTION BY AMINATA JALLOH
I was deeply impressed by an interview by Lyse Doucet , BBC Presenter and Chief International Correspondent, with Alice Walker in March 2013.
Author of the acclaimed book 'The Colour Purple', Alice is as inspirational in her outlook on life. A political Activist and poet, she believes in truth, honesty and the goodness of humanity. Lyse Doucet asked: 'Have you lost all hope?' Alice answered: 'The more you honour the truth the more hopeful you can be; it is when you get lost in lies there is no hope.'
Alice did not shy away from her views on US President Barrack Obama, openly speaking out about the lack of commitment he has towards the people of America, revealing that an insider source told her that Obama and his inner circle don’t believe they got into power because people vote for them; they think they got there because people paid a lot of money for them to get there and those are the people they listen to. Alice thinks Obama is more like a CEO in his presidential role.
Ten years ago Alice was arrested for protesting outside the White House against the War on Iraq; that before Barrack Obama came to power he had agreed with her made the interview awesome. Alice Walker believes that Barack Obama's policies on such matters as the welfare system are criminal acts and, like other presidents before him, he should be brought to justice.
Lyse Doucet's highly honed professional skills drew Alice to speak positively about a range of matters of concern, touching upon solving the war in Syria, what to do about Iran, and so on. Alice Walker filled me with hope that leadership can be upheld by indigenous women and women of colour.
Listen to the interview here