Former neo-Nazi speaks at Valpo forum

VALPARAISO | His time serving in the U.S. military didn't make him a racist, T.J. Leyden said, but it made him "a better racist."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Tammy Bryant, Hammond | "In some ways it's worse. People are not nice. It's tiring having people complain about their position in life and blaming others. Everybody wants something for free, but no one wants to pay any of it."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Kevin Dougherty, Batavia | "It's getting better, especially since I was a kid, that's for sure. It's better than it used to be."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Julian Stryczek, Valparaiso | "They've come a long way over the past decades. They've improved due to education and open-mindedness. They're better than they used to be."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Dan Burk, Lansing | "They're better than they were 60 years ago. It shows in my kids who don't even see race. I believe that all the races should mix together."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Jerry Tucker, Hammond | "I don't think it's as a big factor as before. Just like the gay rights issue, which seems to run parallel, it's much better."

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Region views on race relations

"How would you rate race relations in the United States today?"

Eric Smith, Portage | "I'd say fair. I think it's a result of the societies' interaction. I do think there's a whole lot more to be done, but I think it's progressing positively though."

Human relations group mulls diversity summit

VALPARAISO | The city's recently revamped Advisory Human Relations Council is exploring ways to continue the conversation about race relations in Valparaiso.

OFFBEAT: Steppenwolf's 'Clybourne Park' tries too hard delivering message of acceptance

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Jackson: Race separation hurts economy

CHICAGO HEIGHTS | The real problems caused by racial prejudice in the 21st Century are not the blatant racially motivated discrimination of old, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Chicago, said Thursday.

NWI racial issues addressed

The Quality of Life Council addressed the subject of race in Northwest indiana at a symposium Friday at Bethel Church in Crown Point. The Rev. Raymond Dix, right, speaks during a panel discussion along with Superintendent Tony Lux of the Merrillville Community School Corp., left, Christine H…

NWI racial issues addressed

Members of Merrillville High School's Socially Together and Naturally Diverse group recite their pledge at the Quality of Life Council's Race and Its Effects on the Region symposium at Bethel Church in Crown Point.