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One of the most illustrative stories about the relationship between racism and the nation’s interests takes place on Route 40 in Maryland. If you know Maryland, this stretch between the Delaware line and Baltimore hasn’t been particularly kind to black Americans 
In the 1950’s, many African nations gained independence. They sent their new Ambassadors to the U.S. to present credentials to the president & establish a presence at the U.N. This meant driving from New York to DC along US40 through a racially segregated Maryland
When African Ambassadors stopped to eat, they were turned away because US40 restaurants were Whites Only. Racism against black Americans suddenly became the basis for a series of international incidents. When Mrs. Leroy Merritt of the Bonnie Brae diner was asked about it... well.
