Racism in the Age of Obama

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - December 2, 2009) - In an era that has seen an African American elected president, it seems difficult to believe that racism is still alive.

Recently, Louisiana Judge Keith Bardwell refused an interracial couple a marriage license because "most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society."

"Let's not forget that our President is the son of a white American mother and a black Kenyan father," said Anita Royston from Five Sisters Publishing www.5sisterspublishing.com, co-author of "Our Black Fathers, Brave Bold and Beautiful!," and the grandmother of five healthy bi-racial children. "According to the US Census, there were 1.67 million interracial married couples in America in 2002. Compared to two decades ago when that number was only 697,000, interracial marriage is more than just a sign of the times. It's a statistic that trumpets the fact that love trumps race."

Royston believes that the story about Bardwell's refusal, which led to his recent resignation, is not the rule, but rather, the exception.

"In this world we are more alike than different and our essence and experiences should not be diminished, devalued or ignored because they are opportunities to learn," Royston said. "In addition, all of us can draw inspiration and wisdom from one another regardless of our socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, race or marital status."

Royston also believes that the United States is at a critical point in its development as a culture, and that it is time to stop using stereotypes as a way of defining minority cultures.

"Race is a subject we dance around in society, but we need to dispel the dangerous stereotypes that threaten to unhinge our American culture from within," she said. "Stories of strength, wisdom, challenges, fears, failures, transformation, survival and triumphs happen in every race, in every corner of the world. We still grapple with the reality of an African-American president and his sometimes struggle to gain respect from the American people."

About Anita Royston

Anita Royston is an education consultant specializing in engaging family and community involvement in the educational environment. She is currently working in Sacramento with the Roberts Family Development Center and CA. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).

Contact Information: Contact: Rachel Friedman Rachel@newsandexperts.com