My grandmother came to this country at the age of eighteen from the island of Trinidad. She came alone, having left without her parents knowledge or permission. All of her possessions were packed in one suitcase, her money was limited, and she had no idea how she would survive. Her most valuable possession was a burning desire to succeed. She washed floors for white families, went to cosmetology school, and eventually opened her own beauty shop. Still not satisfied, she earned her real estate license, became a broker, and owned several houses in New York When she died seventy years later she was still a firm believer in the American Dream. It wasn't easy to attain but was attainable nonetheless.

America was founded by European men tired of the British monarchy. She took her first baby steps annihilating the Native Americans and continued into adolescence on the backs of African slaves. The minorities and women that were persecuted to make this nation great were never considered by the founding fathers. African Americans were considered no more human than their masters cattle.. Women could not vote. Yet even in those dark days, exceptional people would rise to the forefront, no matter what the difficulties. This kept the dream alive.

Today the dream is quite different from that of the founding fathers or my grandmother. People no longer want to be just comfortable, they want excess, they want bling, and they want to start at the top. Television, the Internet, and news media are quick to show all the things we would have with success and all the people who have accomplished it. However, if you are Black, just as in my grandmother's day, the direct route to success may not always work. Education, hard work, and dedication don't always pay off for us. When you look at major corporations, the rainbow disappears as you climb up the power ladder. This phenomenon also occurs in politics, and with federal jobs. The glass ceiling is alive and well. One or two of us are allowed near the top for appearances sake but they are rarely ever thought of as power players, they are fringe players who advance to make things politically correct for the boss. They usually know better than to make any waves.

Major cities have the most and the best paying jobs, which is one reason young people flock to them. Considering the state of the economy, and this new aversion to affirmative action, young Black people may not be able to get the jobs or own their own homes in many major cities. Major cities also tend to be segregated. This means the quality of education differs greatly between White and African American schools. Black school districts historically get less funding, have old equipment, and staff members who can't wait to transfer to a school with safer working conditions. Without education the American Dream begins to fade, unless you are an entertainer or athlete. There are few exceptions.

The American Dream is open to everyone but everyone cannot attain it. Timing, hard work, and education no longer guarantee success but only allow you to survive at a certain level of comfort. The dream itself has changed over the years and may again. Hopefully for minorities this will mean more opportunities to succeed than are presently available.

Learn more about this author, Denise Strother.
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