May 17 - an historic day for equality

60 years ago, on May 17, 1954, in the case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional.

Then, 10 years ago, on May 17, 2004, same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts - the first U.S. state to take this step. Since then, 16 other states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage.

Progress takes time, but it always seems to win out in the long run. Especially on May 17, which also happens to be the birthday of one of my closest friends, and one of the most tolerant people I know.

Happy 10th anniversary to all the Massachusetts couples who rushed to get married as soon as it became legal in their state.

And happy birthday to my dear friend Patty.