A couple more items from Black History   

Up From the Projects

   That's the title of a book by the late Walter Williams. As he grew up in Philadelphia in 30s and 40s, his mom held him to high expectations in school.

   Though he didn't have a father around, he gained a positive attitude about work from Jewish businessmen. His independent personality led him to resist big-government ideologies - as an economist (UCLA), and as a professor at George Mason University. 

My Grandfather's Son 

   This 2007 book is by Clarence Thomas, appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1991. The reviewer says "Thomas speaks up for both himself and his cherished values, including self-reliance and hard work." 

   He writes of his tough-minded grandfather who sacrificed to send him to private Catholic schools. Thomas rebelled in college, embracing the Black Power movement and temporarily rejecting his Catholic faith.

   Through personal trials and political pressure, he eventually found a home in Reagan's Republican Party. His grandfather encouraged him to "stand up for what you believe in." 

          Jimmy

PS. The government's emphasis on rewarding people who don't strive to learn, work and achieve isn't likely to produce more achievers like Williams and Thomas.