Obama Compares America’s ‘Racial Subjugation’ to South Africa’s Apartheid

"For the people of South Africa, for those he inspired around the globe - Madiba's passing is rightly a time of mourning, and a time to celebrate a heroic life. But I believe it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection. With honesty, regardless of our station or our circumstance, we must ask: how well have I applied his lessons in my own life?

It's a question I ask myself - as a man and as a president. We know that like South Africa, the United States had to overcome centuries of racial subjugation. As was true here, it took the sacrifice -- the sacrifices of countless people -- known and unknown -- to see the dawn of a new day. Michelle and I are the beneficiaries of that struggle."