Matt Suarez is a New Orleanian who has lived through many changes. As a young man, he felt the sting of racial prejudice and the infuriation of discrimination.

As a result, he spent many years working for equality in the Civil Rights Movement — often putting his own life at risk. Today, nearing 71 years old, Matt looks at where we've been in light of where we are this week: electing our first black president.

Music in this piece is performed by John Boutté and written by Sam Cooke.