The Lincoln Memorial was built in 1920 to remember the work of the 16th president Abraham Lincoln and his work to abolish slavery. President Lincoln did a great deal of work to narrow the gap between whites and blacks but he is probably most remembered for passing the thirteenth amendment in 1864, it released all African Americans of the title of slave. This was a momentous occasion for America seeing as far back as 1660 with the Royal African company slaves had been traded throughout what would become the United States of America. For most Americans this represents a vision of the "Melting Pot" America and progressiveness giving every man and women an equal at chance at life.  

The Second picture I have chosen is of the American prison system, for the sole reason that in the last census though the percentage of African Americans living in the U.S is only around 11% they make up for shocking 37.3% of all prison inmates. This has led to massive protest about of the justice system in the U.S. and its view on race as it seems to counter act the work of Abe Lincoln. so much so there are even courses you can attend if your African American on how to approach the police and know what they are entitled to ask of you.