History shows that dark experiences of hatred and division largely associated with skin colour, and ethnic origins, resulted in monumental challenges to those who embarked upon a path to remove such negative attitudes that scorned others, simply because they were different.

Millions of pages have been written about tragic episodes of slavery, and other forms of human suppression, by regimes that perceived others, as unequal, and somewhat less than human.

Such demented perceptions led to two World Wars.

Such history can be painful to revisit, and perhaps that is why some would rather not focus on events that remind us of suffering and death at the hands of brutal oppressors.

However despite these evil segments, there are equally many gallant accounts of men and women, black and white, who in the face of fearful odds, put their lives at risk in standing strong for true justice and freedom, regardless of the price, and many paid with their lives.

It was that spirit that drove Lincoln, Ghandi, King and others to take on evil systems that made life almost unbearable for people who felt left out of the civilised world.

Poverty and discrimination because of racial and ethnic differences was the order of the day in many places including Bermuda.

The US Civil War, erupted over efforts to eradicate slavery which was prevalent in the deep south.

It was one of that country’s darkest periods.

Even with the loss of thousands of lives from that internal conflict, that nation is still in the process of learning to walk together as one people.

All of this was sharply brought to focus recently during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill, that was signed into law, by President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who was determined to move America forward, after the assassination of President John F Kennedy.

One can only imagine the opposition he encountered from hardened Southern politicians who despised such a move.

Current US resident Barack Obama, speaking during the 50th anniversary, said Johnson knew the law alone, would not bring about immediate change, but it would form an anchor for a new era of justice, irrespective of skin colour.

The 50th anniversary of that signing, held special significance because it highlighted how a man from the deep south, born in poverty himself, but was able to become President, could identify with others who felt deprived of equal opportunity.

President Johnson, was so viciously opposed by some of his political colleagues that he was reported as blurting out during one heated session “what the h*** is the President for, if he cannot bring about change”.

When President Obama, referred to that remark, the audience let out a loud applause.

Remembering the role President Johnson, played in lifting the nation, during a period of despair prompted former President, Bill Clinton, to suggest that America needs politicians committed to values they would defend, at the risk of losing their seats.

It is a thought fitting for any democratic society.

Even in a small jurisdiction like Bermuda, political clashes continue to overshadow many issues and leave the electorate deeply concerned about collectively sorting out highly sensitive matters, in a non partisan atmosphere for the good of the people.

When Governments for whatever reason, make highly questionable decisions, they risk damaging support, and that weakens their hold on public sentiment.

Previous administrations can attest to paying a price for misjudging the mood of the public.

This is not to suggest that Governments at times should avoid making tough decisions. While that is a part of Governing, it must be done with utter transparency with the people in mind at every step of the way.

Some historians felt President Lyndon Johnson, took advantage of an uncontrollable ground swell from the American people calling for an end to segregation based on race, in pushing for that historic civil rights bill, that changed the social tone of the nation.

President Obama, cited that bold step as paving the way for him to become President of the United States.

No one can change history, but we can create a new chapter by learning to walk together.

Perhaps only than, the great civil rights song, we shall overcome, will have true meaning.

Changing unjust laws, was a major step forward. Changing hearts will remain a challenge for the world.