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Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Barack Obama... Indeed, the status of African-Americans in the U.S. has improved over time. But in order to appreciate the progress of race relations, you have to know what it was like before. In this powerful lecture, Siraj Wahhaj reflects upon some of the darkest days in American history. Looking at the era of slavery, lynchings and the civil rights struggles, he asks the critical question of how human beings can be treated in such brutal ways. What is the motivating rationale behind racism? What were the devastating effects of this racism? And how does Islam provide the solution? And given the climate of bigotry and injustice, the imam reveals the modern-day miracle performed by W.D. Muhammad with his acceptance of the white race as part of the universal brotherhood of Islam. A great talk that surveys past and present conditions, but also looks toward the future in the context of a post 9/11 world where seemingly entire nations and religions are demonized. Some of the darkest days are behind us, but have we learned the lessons from them? Other topics discussed: finding a balance between extremes, breaking the cycle of children born out of wedlock, building a sense of community, Islamophobia, and racism among some Muslims. (Duration: 1 hour, 38 min)

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