This year, perhaps more than any time in the past, Americans are reminded of race relations each and every day. On televisions, on the radio, airwaves are filled with talk of the current Presidential campaign. For the first time in this nation's history, a viable Presidential hopeful is not a white. Barack Obama is a Black man; he is profound and has purpose. Early on, Anglo Americans, and even some people of color, wondered if Obama authentically represented African-Americans. Countless inquired of Obama's experience, not in Congress, but in the ghettos of this country. The prominent periodical, Time Magazine, published a cover story titled, "Is Obama Black Enough? As Sociologists assess, there is reason to believe another question is apt, "Are Caucasians white enough, or are they too white to understand the Black experience?"
Joseph McNeil (from left), Franklin in McCain, Billy Smith and Clarence Henderson sit in protest at the whites-only lunch counter at Woolworth during the second day of peaceful protest,
February 2, 1960.Corbis
French Novelist, Alphonse Karr offered, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." 'Tis too true. Beginning in the month of February 1976, Americans were given an opportunity to realize how profound the axiom is. For four short winter weeks, citizens of this country contemplate what was. We, as a nation honor Black History. For a moment, countrymen set aside the preeminent prejudices that govern many practices and policies. As a nation, we ponder how much African-Americans have contributed to this country.
Tales are told; triumphs recounted. Perhaps one of most significant heartfelt stories shared was aired on February 1, 2008. All Things Considered producers gave the listeners much to contemplate. Newscaster, Michele Norris introduced an unassuming activist whose personal anecdote brought tears to the eyes of many in the National Public Radio audience. The Woolworth Sit-In That Launched a Movement, as narrated by one of the Greensboro Four, Franklin McCain reminds us of how often the past is found in the present.
I, as a white person mourn on this day, for every man and woman Black, white, brown, red, or yellow are my brethren. I feel the pain of all those that have gone before me. My heart aches most for those whose flesh is darkest. It seems, try as they might Afro-Americans can never escape the bondage, the bigotry that enslaves them. The color of their skin shades their every encounter. I recognize that only days ago, in this duplicitous land founded on the principles of freedom and justice for all, segregation was again endorsed by the highest Court in the country. The Supreme Court ruled "Schools can't use race to assign students." History demonstrates, left to their own devices whites will not desegregate.
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