As an African American, the community that I identify with is the African American community. The most significant issue facing our community is racism. African Americans have made major progress in several areas of overcoming racism, but I feel that America still has a long way to go, as far as equality is concerned. In discussing race issues with my family and friends, we have all come to the consensus that racism will always exist for African Americans and it will always be a part of life. I say this because there are always events that remind me daily of how some people choose to view a person based on the color of their skin. This county has a dark history with the treatment of African Americans.
It is sad to go back in history, not more than forty years and know that we were not viewed as equal American citizens. Racism and inequality affected our community then and it affects it now. Laws were put in place to bring about equality in housing, employment, and education. Today those laws are being frowned upon. The critics say that preferences should not be based on a person’s race. I say, until there is no racism the laws should remain.
There are still high levels of unemployment and poverty that have resulted from an uneven playing field. In ending, I feel that African Americans, who believe in themselves and overcome the many obstacles that are constantly in their way, will continue to chip away at the ugly scab of racism.