"What white Americans have never fully understood—but what the Negro can never forget—is that white society is deeply implicated in the ghetto. White institutions created it, white institutions maintain, and white society condones it."

True in 1968, and . . .
1/6

True today. Those are the words of the Kerner Commission, reporting on the causes of deadly riots the summer before.

If only the country had taken the commission's advice:

"Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal. . . .
2/6

"Discrimination and segregation have long permeated much of American life; they now threaten the future of every American.

"This deepening racial division is not inevitable. The movement apart can be reversed. Choice is still possible. . . .
3/6

"This will require a commitment to national action—compassionate, massive and sustained, backed by the resources of the most powerful and the richest nation on this earth. From every American it will require new attitudes, new understanding, and, above all, new will."
4/6

But in 1968 the Democratic president lacked the commitment to take this action.

And the Republican Party--Richard Nixon--sensed a way to win power.

Rather than help us heal, our political leaders ignored justice, or strategically stoked fear and anxiety to win votes.

5/6

Once again, we face a national reckoning.

Will we repair our society's deeply harmful injustices?

Will we support leaders without the courage to change?

Or even leaders who profit from promoting division?

I have hope we can come together for justice, for all of us.

6/6