The progress made varies across different fields and issues. Here are some notable examples:

Transportation

Anthony Foxx, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, highlights progress in transportation equity. Initiatives include projects like bus rapid transit in Indianapolis and streetcar systems in Baton Rouge, aimed at providing better economic opportunities for disadvantaged communities. High-speed rail projects in California are also underway, despite facing challenges and controversy 1.

Artificial Intelligence

Pedro Domingos discusses the rapid progress in AI, particularly in machine learning, driven by substantial investments and increasing amounts of data. This has accelerated research significantly, although integrating various AI subfields remains a challenge 2. Gary Marcus notes that while AI systems have made strides in specific areas, like perception and language processing, achieving true general intelligence is still far off. Current AI systems often lack common sense understanding and face significant limitations 3 4.

Racial and Economic Progress

Roland Martin explains the gains made by African Americans since the Civil Rights movement, including political representation and economic access. However, he also emphasizes that while there has been progress, systemic barriers have resulted in slower advancements in critical areas like health and education 5.

Health and Science

Terry Wahls reflects on her journey from being considered a "crazy" scientist to gaining recognition for her innovative approaches in health. Her progress underscores the significance of perseverance and innovation in science 6.

Activism and Policy Change

Dan Pfeiffer highlights the progress made in gun control activism, particularly following events like the Parkland shooting. The ongoing efforts by Newtown families and Parkland students have brought about meaningful conversations and potential policy changes in Florida and Washington 7.

These examples demonstrate significant advancements across various domains, driven by efforts at both grassroots and institutional levels.