Bush to Name Black--NAACP

WASHINGTON — The executive director of the NAACP said today that President-elect George Bush told him he intends to appoint a black to his Cabinet.

Benjamin Hooks, a Democrat, spent about 30 minutes with Bush, discussing a range of issues of concern to blacks, including judicial and Cabinet appointments. Asked if Bush had pledged to name a black to a high-level job, Hooks said, “I think I do remember him saying there would be a black in the Cabinet.” Hooks then said it was his “distinct recollection that he said he intends to do that.” Hooks also said he suggested to Bush that the President-elect convene a White House conference on race and poverty after the inauguration next month.