(NNPA)—President Barack Obama acknowledged last week that Black Americans have faced “enormous challenges” with unemployment under his watch, and appealed for their support in pursuing solutions that he can implement without help from Congress.

Appearing at the daylong summit of Black business, community and political leaders that included Rep. Donna Edwards, D-Md., Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, the president used the conference to lay out his policy achievements three years after winning the Oval Office with the solid embrace of Black Americans.

UNSCHEDULED VISIT—President Barack Obama makes an unscheduled visit to the African American Policy in Action Leadership Conference, Nov. 9, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

He also called for “persistence” in the face of tough times. He restated his belief that the 15.1 percent unemployment rate among African-Americans is “way too high” and touted the administration’s accomplishments in spite of the political resistance the administration has faced. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Obama said.

KAPOLEI, Hawaii (AP)—President Barack Obama says the sexual abuse scandal at Penn State University has an important message for institutions far beyond college sports: that protecting children is more important than shielding institutions.

Obama has called the case, which ended the career of longtime head coach Joe Paterno, “heartbreaking.” He and other school officials were faulted for not doing enough after allegations that a one-time assistant coach abused young boys.

At a news conference Sunday after the APEC summit in Hawaii, Obama said college athletic programs are fun and can be important. But he said the excitement they generate shouldn’t get in the way of protecting vulnerable youngsters. And he says the lesson is that when people see something wrong, they have to “step up.”

(NNPA)—History books and Hollywood have chronicled the Army’s Buffalo Soldiers and the Army Air Corps’ Tuskegee Airmen, but the men who integrated the Marines during World War II often have been forgotten. That is starting to change, beginning with the House’s 422-0 vote of H.R. 2447, a bill sponsored by Jacksonville, Fla., Congresswoman Corrine Brown.

Brown was elated upon passing her bill with strong bipartisan support (HR 2447), granting the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines Oct. 25 on the House floor.

NEW YORK (AP)—Believe it or not, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show belonged to the boys last Wednesday night.

It was Kanye West, Jay-Z and Maroon 5 who got the audience clapping and cheering at the annual lingerie extravaganza at the Lexington Avenue Armory, quite a feat considering they were sharing the stage with the some of the world’s top models—in barely-there get-ups, no less.

KANYE WEST AND JAY-Z (AP Photo/Brad Barket)

The show, which also featured a song by Nicki Minaj, who was decked out in a bright orange bustier, cosmic-print skirt and leggings, and a frothy pink wig, will be televised on CBS Nov. 29.

The worlds of fashion and music always come together on this runway, which is more for entertainment, excitement and brand-building than a serious preview of styles.