Hate crimes are on the rise, even in the progressive bastion that is New York City. Income Inequality, the lack of affordable housing, gentrification are still here and show no signs of slowing down. And you only have to say the world “Virginia” to conjure the painful images of overt racism. So-called Alt-Right groups speak out with impunity. The current administration has given racists a pass, at the very least. African American empowerment may help to change things in the future, but what about the present, and the past? Is there room for forgiveness for people who have made racist remarks or committed racist acts years ago, but have, perhaps, shown themselves to have become different people now  And how do you define who deserves that forgiveness?