The Progressive Era was a very significant point in time, but "progressive" is a slightly misleading term. Sure, there were some things that were changing for the good, but race was not one of them. Woodrow Wilson, the 28th president, was unwilling to see African/African American people as equals. When he spoke about them, there was little to no respect and he believes that white people are superior to them. There has been a lot of change since then because we obviously aren't segregated anymore, but has enough changed? Even political figures, like Donald Trump, speak as if black people are "things" not human beings. Saying something like "I have a great relationship with the blacks. I've always had a great relationship with the blacks" doesn't help him sound less racist. Also saying that he doesn't want black guys counting his money is proof that some people still believe stereotypes to this day. Those are the things that need to change.
http://www.ibtimes.com/donald-trump-racist-15-controversial-quotes-president-elect-said-about-blacks-2447531
http://www.newsweek.com/judge-woodrow-wilson-racism-standards-his-time-456232
