3 chapters across the catalog
Attorney Lawrence Otis Graham, author of "Our Kind of People," provides an insider's look at the black upper class and the Boule. He explains that the black elite historically originated from light-complexioned slaves who were given "prestige" roles in the house rather than the fields. This internal caste system created a long-standing divide within the black community based on skin tone and proximity to whiteness.
Lawrence Otis Graham’s book, Our Kind of People, provides a historical look at the black upper class and the methods used to pass for white. The "17 ways to pass" include changing one's last name, moving to a rural white college town, and even faking one's own death to sever ties with the black community. These strategies were employed by those seeking to escape racial restrictions and enter white society.
Lawrence Otis Graham discusses the "talk" he gives his children regarding respectability politics, such as avoiding hoodies and wearing loafers to prevent being profiled by police. The conversation explores the origins of the black elite and the influence of Rockefeller funding on HBCUs like Spelman and Morehouse. These institutions are noted for their historical role in shaping the black upper-class identity.
