Will Race Always Matter?

Abstract

In 1903, the noted scholar and political activist W.E.B. Du Bois made the now often cited prediction that “The problem of the Twentieth Century would be the problem of the color line” (Aptheker, 1914/1973, p. 38). It is now, however, abundantly clear that professor Du Bois was an optimist! America is now well into the 21st century and the “race problem” has steadfastly remained our country’s defining social challenge. Although it is true that many of the country’s race-related problems have been successfully addressed since 1903, others have risen to supplant them. Significant racial progress has been made. However, despite improvements in the overall status of colored people, the specter of racism continues to hang heavy over them. Social workers, like so many Americans, are deeply and profoundly disappointed by the instances of racial injustice they witness daily. Moreover, recent political events have revealed a very disturbing fact...