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Dozens of New Yorkers from all walks of life gathered at the HueMan Bookstore and Cafe in the heart of Harlem to discuss President Barack Obama's first year.

On the panel were educators, authors, activists – and even a Hollywood filmmaker. They did not mince words.

Chet Whye registered thousands of voters in Harlem to vote for the nation's first black president. He admits that some African Americans are disappointed in what they see so far.

“It's been the people around him, I think, right now, that's been blocking our voices and we're not raising them,” said Whye, of the Harlem4 Center for Change.

But many panelists raised their voices, especially when the topic turned to Republicans.

"They have looked for other people across the country to support anything except the health care bill,” said educator Dr. Marcella Maxwell. “They are looking for ways to denounce him and his policies."

Tom Burrell is a marketing pioneer and the author of "Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority.”

"I think his image has taken a hit, but he has a powerful enough image,” Burrell said. “He represents a kind of ‘new cool.’"

But is this so-called "new cool" still resonating with voters? Actor Danny Glover ignited a media firestorm earlier this year when he unfavorably compared Obama with former President George W. Bush.

"I would never call Barack Obama George Bush,” said Whye. “I think Danny was a little excited when he said that, but if I'm going to call upon anybody to do anything, I want Barack to be a stronger Barack. I want Barack to be the Barack that led this campaign to a win."

"He is walking a fine line, and on one hand, I understand that,” said author Terrie Williams. “But on the other hand, you really have to take a stand.

"He invited our hopes and aspiration, but his election revealed the weakness of American democracy,” said filmmaker Warrington Hudlin.

Though many agreed that the excitement surrounding Obama's presidency has died down, some, like Tuskegee airman Dabney Montgomery, believe the president is doing an exceptional job, considering the circumstances.

“He is a terrific leader,” Montgomery said. “He is kind. He is brilliant. And he listens to the opposite side.”

Everyone in the audience agreed that Obama has to turn around the economy to get re-elected in 2012.

"We started the power of one in Harlem because so many small businesses closed and small businesses are the bedrock of the American economy, and yet they’re closed and no one seems to care,” said Marva Allen of HueMan Bookstore.

As Obama's approval numbers continue to slide, most at the discussion say they're trying to hold on to hope and change, but their patience is wearing thin.

To see the full panel discussion with a live audience, Time Warner Digital Cable customers can turn to channel 1110, click on Specials and Black History.