Yes, Mike, majority whites had legislated advantages in education, housing and the workplace denied to blacks which allowed greater personal development, opportunities, participation in public affairs.
Black passive resistance to America's ghastly civil rights history resulted in their constitutional rights being enforced at the point of bayonets. Current civil unrest confirms the difference between the dead hand and spirit of the law.
Affirmative action was an early-on attempt to make amends, to try to even opportunities where they count. As an activist in the field, I think it sharpened focus on issues. I couldn't imagine a black president at the time.
It has less relevance now, in my opinion. Communities and companies with discriminatory attitudes have fallen out of favour as citizens struggle everywhere to make more harmonious and productive lives.
