Understood and agreed, to an extent, about systemic racism. Changing culture isn't easy without authoritarian rule...which is where both the Democrats and Republicans are heading.
The US military did it by decree when Truman desegregated the military in 1948. It was another 16 years for the CRA...and here we are another 58 years later. While progress has been made, it's not where it should be for the world's greatest democracy.
There are multiple reasons for this, some self-induced by those who believe racism can be eliminated by making government racist.
Oddly, as racist as the draft became during the Vietnam years, it had the effect of forcing young men out of poverty-stricken areas, giving them an education and a profession. While this had been going on for decades with Euro-Americans, it was a relatively new experience for African-Americans. Still, such authoritarian changes can't be forced upon the civilian public.
IMO, if our nation isn't maximizing the potential of every American, then it's fucking up. Part of the problem is how our nation funds education. Only 8% is Federal, the rest is State which usually means county. Poor counties have poor schools. Rich counties have rich schools. A national effort to increase educational opportunities would have good results over the long run. There would still be the problem of poverty at home, in the neighborhood and, probably, a lack of decent local jobs.
One factor I've seen affecting many people regardless of culture is a reluctance to leave the "home neighborhood". I grew up with relatives scattered across the country, but others are like "Everybody Loves Raymond" where their entire family is on the same block.
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/executive-order-9981.htm
Executive Order 9981, Desegregating the Military
