'Segregation now' for poor America more than black America

[Blue_Tires]

MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Monday morning I ran 11 miles as part of my training for the Phoenix Rock 'n Roll Marathon this Sunday.

At mile 10.5, I ran up the steps of the capitol and tapped on the massive front wooden door, seen behind George Wallace in this picture.

The photograph was taken exactly 50 years ago Monday, the day Wallace was inaugurated governor and infamously declared "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."

At that moment, I felt I was celebrating some sort of victory as an African-American born the year Wallace took that oath. In this country, my people have witnessed tremendous gains: President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the growth of a large black middle class and, now, the first U.S. president of black African descent.

In a sense, the struggle is over. But, unfortunately, a new one has arisen and overcoming it seems more daunting than gaining basic rights ever was.

That struggle, I believe, is "classism."

Race still matters in this country and -- for those who hold deeply ingrained prejudices-- it will always determine some peoples' view of the worth of other humans.

But in 2013, class -- and the access to education and financial stability that usually comes with it -- is what is segregating people in this society.

Classism affects all races and ethnic groups but it is particularly discernible in black America. I know, because I've lived it.

I am the poster child for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 dream; I was born, in fact, on August 23, 1963, the very day King delivered that most heartrending speech of our ages...

http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2013/01/segregation_now_for_poor_ameri.html

[southernyankeebelle]

1. I remember that I have a dream speak when I was a teen living in Baltimore. I was a

young white teen who believed in his cause. I sure was impressed with his speech. Especially he was non-violent.

[SemperEadem]

2. there is a caste system in this country

that is alive and well and has been for centuries... the fact that people would rather ignore it doesn't mean that it is not there.

It is as real as if one were in Europe or India. Otherwise, the term "uppity" would have absolutely no use in our lexicon.