From the Globe Political Desk

Former President Bill Clinton recently traveled to the Bay Area and met with African American women faith leaders and the wives of area pastors who have started a group called First Ladies for Hillary.
   The meeting included nearly 50 women from across the Bay Area and was co-hosted by Bishop Ernestine Reems-Dickerson from the Center of Hope Community Church and Janice Mirikitani, wife of Reverend Cecil Williams of Glide Memorial Church. The meeting was emceed by Alice Huffman, president of the California NAACP.
   “I am pleased that [former] President Clinton is taking the time to meet with religious leaders to have a conversation on the issues that affect our community,” said Huffman. “President Clinton and Hillary Clinton understand the importance of partnering with community and religious leaders to increase opportunities for African Americans. They continue to demonstrate their commitment to our community.”
    During the meeting, Clinton outlined Hillary’s agenda for a stronger America through job creation, quality education and health care for all. He conveyed how Hillary would work to provide good jobs with good wages, encourage private sector investment and business growth in low-income urban areas, create more affordable housing in urban neighborhoods and ensure a strong federal-local partnership to fight crime.

   “The Clintons have visited our community and the Glide Memorial Church on several occasions, and have left a longstanding impression on us,” said Mirikitani. “The sensitivity and compassion demonstrated by the Clintons to all individuals in our diverse communities, whom we serve both in our programs for the poor and in our large congregation, speak well of them. President Clinton addressed several issues that demonstrated that Hillary is the most qualified, intelligent and visionary candidate who will bring integrity back into government.”
   “President Clinton gave us an exclusive look into where Hillary stands on issues that matter most to our community,” said Reems-Dickerson. “What was clear from the meeting is that Hillary has a real compassion and love for the people of this nation, and I look forward to working with her to lead us towards a better future.”
    Hillary Clinton attended a meeting with Bay Area ministers in San Francisco in August. She outlined her plan for a prekindergarten program and spoke about how early education helps put children on the path to a successful and productive life.
    She also discussed the disproportionate number of men of color who are in prison and how to ensure that they succeed when they are released. She detailed options to help them transition into the workforce through vocational programs and noted that the auto and airline industries have a shortage of trained workers.
    Hillary visited downtown Oakland in September for a lowdollar fundraiser, drawing a crowd of 14,000 people from across the Bay Area. The following day, she visited Laney College and received the endorsement of Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums.

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