I think it is perhaps appropriate, given the recent election, to take a moment and contrast the difference between the Republican and Democrat parties and their recognition and elevation of blacks in government. Compare Condoleezza Rice to Dr. Joycelyn Elders. Both make a representative statement about black Americans. I don't mean this comparison to belittle Dr. Joycelyn Elders and her efforts, but I do believe that there is a world of difference between the two women.
Moreover, I don't believe that race and gender have anything to do with Condoleezza Rice's position in the Bush administration, but much to do with Dr. Joycelyn Elders' position in the Clinton administration.
It seems to me that the party of Lincoln has done a much better job of living Dr. King's vision of recognition of ability and charater above color (and gender) than the party of "America's first black president". G.W. Bush doesn't seem to see color, but he sure can spot, promote and surround himself with ability.