1985 January 16 President Reagan holds a meeting with 20 little known blacks from a variety of fields for the purpose of discussing an "agenda for black progress." No nationally recognized black leaders are included, thereby creating the impression of a symbolic gesture purely to enhance an image, and also, within the black community, representing "callousness" toward the underprivileged and programs for their health and well-being, even those underscored by the administration such as self-help programs. Writing about the meeting in the New York Times. Diane Compton asks the question "Where's the support even for programs involving self-help?", and indicates that federal loans for minority and small business were down as were "set asides" for minority contractors. Robert L. Woodson, leader of the group meeting with the President, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to "establish a strategic alliance between the black community and the Reagan Administration."