MT. VERNON — The issue of systematic racism in the United States continues to be a debated topic. Locally, the conversation is ongoing as to how the nation can hold all races equal under the law.

Mt. Vernon’s NAACP Chapter President Rev. Erie Patton believes people are empathetic and want to see change. She says one way to start that is to educate our friends and neighbors.

Rev. Patton says the church can and should take the lead on creating change in our country by acknowledging that racism is real and still alive in America, and it needs to be conquered.

You can hear more from Rev. Patton Sunday on the Southern Illinois Insider at 11 a.m. on WMIX AM 940, 96.1 & 96.5 FM and also on 94.1 FM.