Where race is concerned, America has had a horrible, a wretched history and that came to account in the 1960s, with the Civil Rights victories and Civil Rights Bill and housing and so forth.

In this quote, Shelby Steele reflects on the racial history of America, acknowledging the country's deeply troubling past when it comes to the treatment of racial minorities, particularly African Americans. Steele highlights that this painful history of racial injustice—marked by slavery, segregation, and discrimination—came to a head in the 1960s. The decade witnessed the culmination of efforts for racial equality, leading to significant Civil Rights victories, including the Civil Rights Bill and reforms in areas like housing.

Steele's comment emphasizes that the racial history of the United States is not just a matter of isolated events but a deeply embedded legacy that has shaped the social and political landscape of the country. The use of the words "horrible" and "wretched" conveys the severity of this history, suggesting that America’s racial problems were not temporary or accidental but part of a systematic and pervasive issue that affected generations of people.

The quote also points to the 1960s as a pivotal moment in American history, a time when activism and political movements such as the Civil Rights Movement brought national attention to racial inequality. The Civil Rights Bill of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, is highlighted as a critical achievement, signaling a major shift toward racial equality in American law and society.

Originating from Shelby Steele, a scholar and social critic, this quote reflects his analysis of race relations in the U.S. Steele has written extensively on the complexities of race, identity, and culture, often exploring how historical injustices continue to impact modern society. His quote serves as a reminder of the long-standing struggle for racial justice and the progress made in the 1960s, while also acknowledging that these issues remain part of the ongoing conversation about race in America.