As Barack Obama's second term draws to a close, examples of racial tensions and inequalities within the US, unfortunately, continue to reach our ears. As part of our bicentenary celebrations, this recalls our historic debate regarding race in the United States, originally held exactly fifty years ago. Watch the footage from the original debate here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFeoS41xe7w&feature=youtu.be ****************** PROPOSITION ****************** Nina Davuluri was crowned Miss America 2014; the first Indian American to win this title. She is a public speaker regarding politics and STEM subjects. Bonnie Greer is a prominent British playwright and novelist, and the Chancellor of Kingston University. She also writes for The Guardian and New Statesman. Evan Tarte is a former investment banker and a proud graduate of Georgetown University. He is also currently an M.Phil. candidate at the University of Cambridge, studying Economic and Social History. ****************** OPPOSITION ****************** Rev. Jesse Jackson is a US civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in 1984. Sabby Dhalu is Joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism, an organiser at Stand up to Racism, and a prominent campaigner against racism in the UK. Mark Mardell is the current presenter of The World This Weekend on BBC Radio 4. He has previously been the BBC's North America editor.

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