"But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow."
However, I am not so sure this is true. There have been many African American people who have worked hard, sent their children to school, and are now living high end lifestyles. Take for example Nelvia M. Brady, who has her PHD and is an author, columnist, and owner of This Mother's Daughter, Inc., Chicago, IL.
(Many more successful African Americans can be found HERE) Have these certain few been given some sort of advantage? I do not believe so. They or their parents have worked hard in positions and jobs that may have been les than desireable, but through hard work they have ascended to the top of the socioeconomic ladder. This is part of the American dream. Like many presidents (like Obama himself), CEOs, and millionaires, an American can grow up poor, work hard, and die rich. African Americans who experience poverty could climb the ladder too. All they have to do is put their foot on the first rung.
