A question about Black Strength was raised to me in the context of whether or not America is truly interested in black success. Could an economic downturn, given the shaky psychology of the hiphop generation and the loss of pre-integration community, set Black America way back?
I honestly believe that African Americans have amassed enough social capital to survive any economic downturn in the US. Living in Southern California, I find it difficult to believe that blacks will not compete successfully against Mexicans, if indeed it comes to that. Blacks may not have climbed very high on the economic ladder, but they do have some room to fall, and in a very coarse way of seeing things, if speaking English is an advantage, if being closer to whites than Mexicans or other latinos is an advantage, blacks will take it.
My perspective on the strength of African Americans in the lower socioeconomic strata comes primarily from my view of the Armed Forces. Many folks like to make a target of 'the man's army' as a dead-end plantation one step above prison, but I think that is entirely wrong. The Army is an integral and fundamental part of the infrastructure of America and blacks are not excluded or barred. They are welcome; they are invited. America is never going to get rid of its Army, so if blacks are disproportionately there, then they are disproportionately better off. As well it cannot be understated that in any apocalyptic scenario of race war that there are certainly enough blacks who are competent to lead armies in any capacity anywhere in the world. If we wanted to take 5 southern states for blackfolks, it is militarily possible in that kind of incredible scenario.
I also consider what happened in Los Angeles in the Riot of 91. Fewer than 100 people died, and it's not clear that the majority of those who did were black. So even when it comes to chaos, shooting in the streets and burning cities down, African Americans survive crises. The black population is not decreasing. 35 some odd million is large and healthy.