Our view: Words and numbers

How do you measure progress?

In the 50 years since the march on Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s signature "I Have a Dream" address, this nation has witnessed significant improvement in opportunities for African-Americans.

Access to education was emphasized by civil rights leaders. In 1964, only 365,000 blacks in this country held at least a bachelor's degree. Now 5.1 million have completed at least four years of college study. More that 21 percent of those aged 25 and over hold degrees, compared to 3.9 percent in the year after King's speech.

Political involvement was another i...