Racism still an issue in America, Burris says

By Greg Clary
CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Racism is still a major problem in America today even though the country has elected its first black president, Sen. Roland Burris told high school students in Washington Thursday.

"I never dreamed that I would see a black man as president of America because of racism in our society," said Burris, D-Illinois.   "The fact now that we have a black president does not solve race problems."

"Racism is still here, alive and well," he added.

Burris' comments came as he spoke to members of the Junior State of America, a civics education organization for high school students.

His remarks also came hours before President Barack Obama was scheduled to address the NAACP's annual convention in New York City, where the civil rights organization was founded 100 years ago.