Some , like Kennedy and an entire generation of white Southerners , risked social rejection for renouncing the bigotry of their parents . Obama 's win validates risks civil rights activists took years ago , some say . America is `` evolving ... trying to reach for the best part of itself , '' former activist says . Segregationist 's daughter has been a vocal critic of President Barack Obama's election victory in 2008 and 2012.
Obama 's win validates risks civil rights activists took years ago , some say . America is `` evolving ... trying to reach for the best part of itself , '' former activist says . Segregationist 's daughter has been a vocal critic of President Barack Obama's election victory in 2008 and 2012.