Racism still a force in America

Many individuals, including some in the media, put up the argument that racism is no longer a factor in our society. After all, didn't we elect an African American as president twice?

Two articles on separate incidents appear to say racism is still rampant in our society. These articles appeared within a recent five-day period.

One article outlined police being called on a group of African American golfers because they were "playing too slowly." According to the report, the black golfers were all experienced and had played throughout the country. Would the golfers have been treated this way if they were Caucasian?

The other article focused on "retail racism" in the incident where a Starbucks called police on two black men sitting in the restaurant and waiting for a third person to appear. The issue of retail racism relates to how blacks are perceived in stores and shops when dressed casually. Blacks may be followed in high-end stores if dressed casually.

One may read these examples and feel that this is not representative of America. I have personally heard the pastor of a black church in Elgin tell of being followed while shopping because he was black and casually dressed.

Unfortunately, we must be open to the fact that systemic racism is in full bloom in 21st century America. It has existed in our country for 500 years. We must be open to its existence and the need to eliminate it from our society. I encourage those reading this to be active in eliminating racism.

Royce M. Blackwell

Elgin