Community panel creates dialogue about present-day racism

Everyone at this forum may not feel that racism still exists, but many do. Even the panelists answered the question "does racism still exist" with a resounded "yes."    

"It is pervasive just like cancer," Pastor Jonathan McPherson, Chair of Corporate Board SCLC, said.

McPherson said that people who don't agree are in denial. 

"Ask yourself where did all of the members of the Ku Klux Klan go. Did they just die. Where did all of the members of white citizens council, and other segregationist go.. they did not die out," he said.

Reverend Anthony Johnson with the NAACP said that racist acts and remarks by people and elected officials are red flags that racism is still alive.   

One recent example mentioned is Sen. Scott Beason using the word "aborigines" to refer to black people.  

"People now you see they don't have restraint. People are voicing prejudice hate filled jargon on a daily basis," Johnson said.

The topic of racism at the forum isn't just regarding black people, but people of color in general. Alabama's illegal immigration law was discussed as well as an example of racism.      

"It discriminates against a whole race of people and it's a shame," McPherson said. 

When if comes to one race believed to be inferior or hated by another race, Tracey Adams said it's because of ignorance, and said that is the issue that must be addressed.       

"Often times we practice things when we don't know better. In order to  overcome the stigma  of racism and negative impact it has…is to gain a better understanding of each others' differences."

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