Historical Perspective

These insightful words stated during the 1930s by Reverend Richard Robert Wright Jr. spoke to a twentieth-century reality that white Americans held toward the nation's black citizenry.

Class and Racial Dynamics

African Americans of higher station resented being judged by the less-successful members of the race. After the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, class distinctions between African Americans became increasingly significant.

Post-Civil Rights Era

With the legal demise of racial discrimination, scores of ambitious blacks who embraced middle-class values took advantage of newly created opportunities to enter mainstream America.

Ambitions and Values

Ambitious African Americans who coveted a higher standard of living displayed a quest for higher education, presented evidence of a strong work ethic, and endorsed the concept of deferred gratification.