South Carolina begins this week without the controversial Confederate battle flag flying on its state capitol grounds, but one local expert says the conversation about race relations is far from over.
Father Joseph Brown is a professor in SIU's Africana Studies department. He says the flag is only a symbol for a larger issue - one that must be understood and overcome:
"To hold on to a story that is not true is part of the tragedy of America and race. You will not take my word for what I have gone through, but you want me to take your word for you not being responsible for it."
Brown says Americans must tell the truth about their country's history if they want to overcome it - from slavery to discrimination and hate.
"America needs to do what South Africa did - which was have a 'Truth in Reconciliation Commission,' so people can say 'yes we did that, and yes I am wrong.'"
A conversation on race and history accompanies the screening of "Against All the Odds" - which is coming up this Saturday at the Carbondale Public Library.
