The African American people have battled consistent discrimination throughout American history. The struggles of previous pioneers have contributed immensely to the current status of the African American people. African Americans have not only reached equality, but have surpassed many whites with success in the modern era. The African American race has proven to be successful in the political, economic, and social realms of America, which contribute to the tenacity of the African American culture.

The African American people have achieved success in the political standings of America.  Colin Powell has been a crucial figure in the African American world. In 1991, Powell became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.  Powell again asserted himself in the high regards of American politics in 2001, when President George W. Bush nominated him Secretary of State. With that position, Colin Powell became the first African American to hold an office of that stature (Academy of Achievement).  Barack Obama exemplifies the political status of African Americans. Obama became the president of the Harvard Law Review, an honor which was never granted to an African American prior to Barack Obama. He was later elected as a United States Senator from Chicago, where he utilized his bipartisan abilities to push through legislation. On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama became the first African American elected as the president of the United States (White House). The achievements of both Colin Powell and Barack Obama depict the success of African Americans in politics. Both men set precedent to eliminate the factor of race in high profile government services. Colin Powell was Secretary of State, third in the chain of command. His appointment proved to America that every person has an opportunity regardless of the color of their skin. With the inauguration of Barack Obama, it was not only a victory for African Americans, but America as a whole. Americans changed the course of history, which was a monumental step for the entire country. Colin Powell and Barack Obama are outstanding examples of the improvement of the African American race.

Throughout American history, African Americans were repeatedly deprived from economic advancement. The trend of economic inequality for African Americans has changed dramatically in recent years. African Americans have been able to achieve substantial economic status in the modern era. The success of Oprah Winfrey has contributed to the African American status. Winfrey is worth nearly three billion dollars, with an annual income of two-hundred million. Winfrey is not only an economic powerhouse, but also a role model who is highly regarded in the African American community. Tiger Woods has achieved economic greatness in America, which has promoted the economic status of African Americans. As the world’s greatest golfer, Tiger Woods has earned over eighty million dollars in winnings, along with a bevy of endorsements that brought his total worth to over six-hundred million. Tiger Woods is more than a wealthy African American. Woods is also an inspiration story to all of African Americans. A self made man who left Stamford University after two years, and ultimately went on to win sixty-six PGA tours. Michael Jordan is another economic hero of the African American community. Jordan’s consistency on the court, as well as promotional contracts has earned him over 525 million dollars. Jordan in the same respect as Tiger Woods was an inspirational man to the African American community (Forbes). The economic advancements of Winfrey,
Woods, and Jordan prove that the African American community is slowly gaining economic influence. Winfrey is the only African American billionaire; however African Americans are consistently excelling in the field of economics, closing the racial gap in the economy. Wealthy African Americans are more to the community than merely pivotal figures. They prove to fellow African Americans, as well as the whole country, that through hard work and dedication, anyone can excel in their desired field, without dwelling on a racial aspect.

African Americans have excelled in all aspects of life, and continue to increase their status in America. The most important aspect however is the social arena of America. African Americans have been able to assimilate smoothly into the American culture. The primary aspect in their social growth is education. The trend in education is shown by the enrollment in Advanced Placement courses. In 1985, only 2,700 African American students participated in the AP program. That number has risen drastically in recent years with over 52,000 African Americans who participated in 2008 (Journal of Blacks in Higher Education). African Americans have also gained equality in the healthcare system. Despite the fact that African Americans obtain less health care than Caucasian Americans, the healthcare gap is decreasing. Experts say that despite findings that prove Caucasians receive better healthcare, healthcare for African Americans has improved in recent years due to government pressures on healthcare companies. Amitabh Chandra of Harvard University stated that the disparities in the healthcare system, “Cannot be used to argue that this is a result of discrimination.” Nonetheless African Americans have made progress in recent years in healthcare equality (The Washington Post). African Americans have enjoyed success in the social institutions. Education and healthcare numbers are still low for the African American community; however they have made great strides towards equality. African Americans have made consistent advances in education, and are now focused on healthcare. In recent years, both areas have been points of focus for the African American people, yet through their endurance and hard work, are on the verge of complete social equality.

African Americans have endured a monumental struggle of oppression from the whites in America. Throughout history the African Americans have fought back for equal treatment. The long tenuous journey has however proved to be successful. African American figures such as Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey have shown that through hard work and dedication any person can achieve greatness without regards to the color of their skin. African Americans have grown nearly equal with the majority white Americans with respect to the political, economic, and social facets of American society.

 

Works Cited

“The Administration.” President Barack Obama. The White House.  2 June 2009 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/‌administration/‌President_Obama/>.

Bertoni, Steven. The Wealthiest Black Americans. 6 May 2009. Forbes.  1 June 2009 <http://www.forbes.com/‌2009/‌05/‌06/‌richest-black-americans-busienss-billionaires-richest-black-americans.html>.

“Colin Powell.” Academy of Achievement. 18 Jan. 2009.  1 June 2009 <http://www.achievement.org/‌autodoc/‌page/‌pow0bio-1>.

More Blacks are Competing in Advanced Placement. 2 June 2009. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.  2 June 2009 <http://www.jbhe.com/‌features/‌63_racialgap.html>.

Stein, Rob. “Race Gap Persists In Health Care, Three Studies Say.” The Washington Post 18 Aug. 2005. 2 June 2009 <http://www.washingtonpost.com/‌wp-dyn/‌content/‌article/‌2005/‌08/‌17/‌AR2005081701437.html>.