How should black youth react to the many obstacles they will experience? What paths should they take to give themselves the best chances of moving into the middle class, obtaining stable employment and healthy personal relationships? Individual strategies can be improved by learning from the immigrant experience.
Often immigrant success stories focus on the central role of education in the success of immigrants, particularly those from China, India, and Nigeria. These examples demonstrate two important things: educational attainment is an important avenue to success; and their successes are inconsistent with the white supremacy narrative. Yes, there is racism and bigotry — and it is experienced more by native-born black Americans — but merit still counts.
It would be a mistake, however, to see immigrant successes only through the lives of successful Chinese, Indian, and Nigerian professionals. Many members of these communities have also been successful through their entrepreneurial efforts. Small-businesses ownership provides the ability to support their families and give a foundation for their children’s success. Just as important, the success of less-educated immigrants often reflects individual motivation; their work ethic and willingness to move to where they can better themselves and their families, aided by communal organizations and family networks.
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