The nation’s first African-American president will soon conclude his tenure as leader of the free world. His time in office has seemingly left us more racially vulnerable than ever. Debate about racial tolerance, discord, and reconciliation has engulfed our nation during his presidency.

In recalling President Barack Obama's words on racial reconciliation, “One of the things that I've consistently said as president is that I'm the president of all people. I am very proud that my presidency can help to galvanize and mobilize America on behalf of issues of racial disparity and racial injustice,” we are reminded that we still live in a society that exacerbates racial bigotry and hatred. We must remain vigilant.

The election of the nation’s first African-American president led to expectations that America would put its ugly racial past behind it and move forward into a more racially sensitive and tolerant future. The promise that America would transcend race and that both white and black racial attitudes would undergo a fundamental positive and formative change, has not been fulfilled. The statement of our president-elect in 2008, “Change has come to America,” proved untrue.

The president did not elevate the discussion on how to ease racial tensions and misconceptions, but instead perpetuated the continued racial divide that defines us and who we are. The dream that America would transcend race, and that racial attitudes would undergo a fundamental change has not been fulfilled.

The nation’s first African-American president and his family have not alleviated racial stereotypes nor have they engaged in any constructive dialogue on race in America. Under Obama’s administration, there has been more racial protest by African-Americans and others for justice and equality. Racial events in Ferguson, New York City, Baltimore, Orlando, Florida, Charleston and other parts of the country only reinforced America’s immense racial hatred and the continued distrust in many African-American communities.

The persistent and continuing race riots throughout the country haunt our society and show the continuing significance of race in America. Racial hatred under Obama’s administration has permeated our society in ways we don’t even realize. It has continued to define who we are and what we stand for as a nation, a nation that claims to lead the free world and preaches democracy, rights and respect.

The series of seemingly constant, mostly non-violent “Black Lives Matter” protests during President Obama's tenure has raised uncertainty. Rage, race, and rebellion continue to plague many African-American communities.

As Obama departs, the following steps can address the continued dilemma over race relations in America.

America must have a more constructive dialogue on race. Any discussion of race among Americans elicits a very cautious and complicated reaction. Many whites shy away from any racial dialogue.

Second, we need to admit we have a problem. A nation that is in denial and sleepwalking will never wake up.

Third, Americans must acknowledge that racism is a societal problem which can only be resolved by having a more open dialogue on race and discussions on diversity in America. Having an African-American president showed our ability to move beyond race and achieve racial reconciliation, but that will not heal our racial past nor resolve America’s greatest social cancer; RACE.

In spite of the unquestioned greatness of America, there must be a conscious effort by all Americans to achieve some sort of racial reconciliation. We must acknowledge our past wrongdoings and engage in conversations that can lead to a more racially tolerant society and an America that can be enjoyed by all.

Stephen Balkaran is an instructor of African-American Studies at Central Connecticut State University.