A recent article by the Washington Post details the Oval Office meeting President Obama held with civil rights leaders this week. This marks the first time the President has met exclusively with civil rights leaders since taking office, and he used the time to speak to concerns about joblessness in the African American community.

Among those present were the Rev. Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, NAACP President Benjamin T. Jealous and Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League.

Obama communicated his deepening worry over hard hit communities, such as Detroit and rural North and South Carolina, to the White House guests.

“You could see that the president felt the gravity of the problem facing not only African Americans, but all Americans,” Sharpton said. “I think he was very clear that he was not going to engage in any race-based programs. But at the same time, he was determined that, going forward, we can correct some of the structural inequalities that are currently in place.”

“The reality is that poverty has been greatly democratized by this recession,” Jealous said. “What all Americans have in common is that they are hurting and struggling and want to see the pace of progress quicken.”

Hustletown readers: What are your thoughts on the President’s progress so far? Let us know below!