By Al Seymour

Racism which was spurned from the history of slavery continues, despite great strides by thousands of brave black and white people to eradicate this sickening perception by one group, who feel superior to others simply because of their skin colour or background.

Even though thousands perished when America went to war with itself over the issue that would free slaves and open the door to an era where all Americans regardless of skin colour, religious persuasion, or ethnicity, would be able to enjoy true freedom, in the year 2015, that nation is still troubled with fires of hate from some, that keep the question alive as to when such negative attitudes will end?

Many Americans of all races last week joined hands to remember the horrific Selma march 50 years ago, when black citizens encountered brutal Police assaults for trying to peacefully demand the right to vote which should have been a right for all Americans.

Even during that march, there were white people who stood with those African Americans despite being called vicious names by racist elements determined to prevent progress for all.

A white nun now 96 who faced the most hate-filled expressions from those who wanted segregation to remain a part of American life, said she never thought she would ever see such hatred.

Ironically after 50 years such sentiments have been at the root cause of the problems in the city of Ferguson in St Louis.

The shooting of a unarmed black man by a white Police officer lead to mass demonstrations and riots against the Police department, which in turn touched off huge protests throughout the nation.

The US Department of Justice conducted a probe into claims that black citizens in Ferguson were treated unfairly by Police and the judicial system.

After examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, a federal investigation cleared the officer involved of any wrong doing. Obviously this did not go down well with protestors.

However, the Justice Department headed by attorney general Eric Holder, discovered clear evidence that blatant racism existed in the Ferguson Police department with records showing African Americans were relentlessly targeted by Police for even the most minor violation.

In fact, documents revealed that the city was actually raising money through such a practice.

Most disturbing were racist e-mails exchanged between officers with one demeaning President Barack Obama.

While the officers concerned were fired most observers felt the removal of the Police Chief, and the Mayor, would have provided an opportunity to clear the air as the community attempted to move away from the divisive racial bitterness arising out of injustice between Police and the people.

The former Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young, noted that there has been significant progress on the issue of race in America, but reports about Ferguson show there is still much work to be done because in his word “we could be losing ground”.

President Obama told a group in South Carolina that it is disurbing when evidence shows that Police anywhere abuse their powers which was the case in Ferguson.

He stressed that the main goal should be to ensure that no Police department in the nation should be allowed to conduct itself below expected standards.

No amount of racial hatred can halt the unstoppable march of diversity which has been engulfing the globe for decades.

Those who cling to outmoded concepts will risk total isolation by people of all races who demand respect and justice, and have no intention of returning to the dark ages of discrimination based on biological or religious differences.

The Selma memorial should be a reminder to the world, that anywhere on this planet where people are oppressed, there should be endless efforts to bring about change, no matter the price.

Here in Bermuda, we have worked over the years through painful periods, to overcome social injustices that were directly linked to post slavery conditions. Things are not perfect but progress cannot be denied.

Most Bermudians today are proud of that progress, because no one can alter the past, but together we certainly can make the future a better story.

The word racism is unpleasant, but it is everyone’s business in trying to make it just a word.