It is unsurprising but nonetheless disheartening that fifty years after the Kerner Report was issued there has only been limited progress in addressing systemic obstacles facing African Americans in many aspects of society. For example, despite gains made since 1968 in terms of legal protections against employment discrimination on the basis of race or gender, there are still vast differences between Whites and Blacks when it comes to wages and overall economic stability (e.g., wealth gaps). The Economic Policy Institute highlights how “Black workers earned just 59 cents for every dollar paid to white workers” in 2018 – essentially unchanged from 1969 levels! Similarly alarming discrepancies exist across racial lines with regard to home ownership rates – Whites are over twice as likely than Blacks to be homeowners – median incomes – Whites make more than double what Black households earn annually – college completion rates (Blacks have lower 4 year degree attainment regardless if they are low income) – incarceration rates (Blacks account for 33%of prisoners even though they only make up 13%of population) etc.. These numbers indicate significant racial disparities persisting across various domains spanning nearly half a century!

As mentioned earlier several areas identified by the original report remain firmly rooted throughout history due largely to persistent forms of institutionalized racism embedded within our existing social infrastructure i.e., discriminatory mortgage lending practices contribute significantly toward reducing access to affordable quality housing for non whites resulting in higher poverty levels among those populations . Likewise voter suppression tactics applied through gerrymandering & strict voter ID requirements along with continuing lackadaisical enforcement towards enforcing anti-discrimination employment policies prevent substantial advances being made towards achieving true equality within our society . In addition changes regarding drug sentencing laws implemented during Bill Clinton’s presidency also played an important role contributing heavily towards rising prison populations particularly amongst minorities .

However two key elements missing from both reports were any mention about how environmental degradation can disproportionately impact people living within certain geographic locations or communities especially those populated mainly by minorities or socioeconomically disadvantaged citizens e..g Superfund sites , hazardous waste dumps , lead contaminated water systems etc.. Additionally while mentioning difficulty finding suitable housing no attention was given regarding displacement caused by gentrification reversing any small gains made into obtaining affordable houses / apartments thus further exacerbating already present social economic issues pertaining to poverty & homelessness .

When comparing conditions between 1968 & now one can easily identify positive developments such as increase civil liberties thanks largely due advances made through Civil Rights movement enabling women & LGBTQ individuals greater agency alongwith greater representation elected officials however countless others could be listed which unfortunately continue reveal deep seated prejudices& injustices towards minority populations even today . Furthermore blatant acts violence committed against them often go underreported ignored altogether leaving offenders unpunished without consequence ultimately perpetuating cycles oppression& inequality instead working towards eliminating them ..

From my perspective I believe current trends point us away from where we need go order achieve full acceptance inclusion everyone society not just specific portions thereof .. It will take concerted effort every member community come together work collaboratively find solutions rather then relying government outside institutions uphold supposed ideals civil liberties fairness justice .. This means actively engaging engaging identifying ways create an equitable environment shared prosperity opposed one solely centered upon individual success .. Only then will meaningful change possible something generations after us hopefully benefit from …