It is hard for someone who did not live through this period to not want to reduce stories like this to factoids, that while true do not begin to convey what life was really like. Slavery as a fact did not end in some areas until the 1970s, seperate and unequal is still the norm in many cities, the fight only changed locations, it still is not over.

A trip back to the age of segregation. It seems strange that the people of this nation could have done the things that were done to the Black population. I can't imagine my father disrespecting anyone. Although My father was in the Army and fought side by side with blacks,he had great respect for Blacks, and really all the races that helped win WW11. But he was born in the south, and this happened, and all we can do is beg their forgiveness.

the story offers no explanation for why this happened during this year's black history month and not before ; it would have been interesting to understand if the election of pres. obama has influenced some of the events which news is covering. the plaque is historically informative and a speech offered the apology, both of which are appropriate. i' wish more had been included in the mention that 'for young people, the reality of that time is hard to imagine'.