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Is racism still an issue in 2015? Local Ocean County veterans of the civil rights movement believe it is. On WOBM-AM's Townsquare Tonight, South Toms River Mayor Oscar Cradle contended that complacency can easily dismantle all the advances of the civil rights movement. Cradle was one of a distinguished panel of local leaders whose experiences with racism changed their lives.

(L) Reverend Edward Harper; (R) South Toms River Mayor Oscar Cradle (Dianne DeOliveira, Townsquare Media)
(L) Reverend Edward Harper; (R) South Toms River Mayor Oscar Cradle (Dianne DeOliveira, Townsquare Media)
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"We as a people sometimes feel that the work is done. We feel that we do not have to continue to do the work and it's an ongoing process. It's by no means done," said Cradle.

Mayor Cradle, Macedonia Baptist Church Pastor Edward Harper and former Lakewood NAACP President James Waters also believe that black history should be taught throughout the school year, instead of only during one month.

"If you taught African American history and cultural history in a classroom with everyone all year long, you people would learn to respect each other's differences," explained Waters.

All the guests spoke about their experiences in the segregated South, and what it was like growing up during the times of pervasive civil unrest. They also offered insights regarding the perception of increased racial friction at a time when the first African American President leads the nation.

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