In his speech at the NAACP, Barack Obama again stresses personal responsibility.

We have to say to our children, Yes, if you’re African American, the odds of growing up amid crime and gangs are higher. Yes, if you live in a poor neighborhood, you will face challenges that someone in a wealthy suburb does not. But that’s not a reason to get bad grades, that’s not a reason to cut class, that’s not a reason to give up on your education and drop out of school. No one has written your destiny for you. Your destiny is in your hands – and don’t you forget that.

The days of black leadership making excuses are over. Obama is delivering a message that all parents should be delivering to their kids – no matter what the obstacle, it’s your own fault if you make excuses and don’t try.