Racism in Regards to Cheapside

While researching "Cheapside" I cannot steer away from the idea of "racism."  Although segregation and such things as the "Jim Crow Laws", no longer exist, racism even in disguise, still exists today.  Racism shows it's face in present day situations everyday.  Many people who display acts of racism are majorily influenced by their family or peers.  Although the purpose of my essay is not to solely discuss the issue of "racism", but to show how Cheapside's past has evolved over time into what it currently is today.  "Racism" surely is a major molding factor in Cheapside's past.  And even though racism is not as prominent today as it was one hundred fifty years ago. Is it still is effecting Cheapside's present day aura?  How can Lexington hold festivals and celebrations in an area that caused so many people so much pain?  Also do you feel that it is right to preserve an area that has such a dark past?  As well as how does the Lexington community feel about Cheapside and it's past?  As far as the history of Cheapside goes, it began as a site for slave auctions.  During the time before the Civil War, the buying and selling of slaves was more common than you can imagine.  Seeing as how Kentucky's location, more specifically Lexington's location, is in the south.  Racism and segregation was extremely prominent.  It seemed as though the further south you went, the stronger racism was.  In order to create a somewhat type of time line in the essay I will use various types of resources.  For example, the Lexington Herald Leader as well as Lexington's history museum and all that it has to offer.