When will we ever rise above that cloud of racism that has damaged so many societies worldwide?

The mere mention of the subject in certain places ignites a wave of deep emotions on both sides, often creating an invisible wall that continues to block real progress in trying to seek a solution. Despite this, efforts must continue to get closer to that table the late Dr. Martin Luther King referred to, when all God's children will be able to sit together in an atmosphere where people are judged by the content of their character, rather than the colour of their skin.

It will not be easy, since much of the progress gained around the world so far was achieved through bitter struggles that cost lives on both sides. And 40 years since that bullet in Memphis cut down the man, but not the dream, there are still people who cannot bring themselves to accept the possibility of a Black President in America. It is said to be a minority view, but it is there.

A hopeful sign is that polls continue to show that most Americans, black and white, are prepared to embrace that possibility as part of progress and global change, in a world made so much smaller by international business, and its far-reaching impact on the world economy.

It is painful to reflect on the reason Dr. King was in Memphis in the first place. The state at that time, felt it was all right to treat black garbage workers like the garbage they were picking up. Dr. King was there to help bring about change and justice for these workers.

He knew what he was up against, but he also knew if he returned the same bitter hatred that so many blacks were experiencing, his dream of a better tomorrow would go up in flames. It takes a great person with a great heart to rise above the evil stigma of racism, and not shut out those who persist they are superior because they are white. For this, he paid with his life.

The march of progress over the years, involving black and white champions of civil rights, continues to overrun the left over negative elements, who try to hold back the new day. Sometimes it is forgotten that many white people, knowing they were putting their lives on the line, nevertheless threw their full support behind efforts to eradicate racial injustice in America. The distinguished actor Charlton Heston, who died recently, once picketed a restaurant in Oklahoma which served only white people. He proudly carried a placard stating that all men were created equal.

In dealing with the subject of racism it should be noted that few had more reason to be brimming with bitter hatred than Nelson Mandela who emerged from a lengthy prison sentence for simply wanting what was right for black South Africans. Yet he came out from a prison cell into the sunlight with a bigger spirit of working toward that goal, as a man with a vision that black South Africans and white South Africans must work as equals together if the nation was to have any hope for the future.

He was a shining example of rising above the clouds of racism that darken and destroy countries. But what about Bermuda? How close are we to getting to that table Dr. King mentioned?

It will depend on how willing we are to understand and respect each other, irrespective of skin colour and social status. With our small population compared to other areas, we should be able to show the world how to move closer to that table.

Much of the progress will not take place in meeting halls or in the political arena. Real change can only take place in the hearts and minds of every citizen. That being the case, we are still a long way from that table of true brotherhood.