Class, Race, and the Civil Rights Movement: A Tapestry of Intersectionality

Class and Race in a Segregated Society

During the Jim Crow era, segregation permeated every aspect of American life, creating a rigid system of racial inequality. However, within the African American community, divisions based on class also existed. The book meticulously examines how these class divisions influenced the experiences of African Americans in the segregated South.

Middle-class African Americans, often referred to as the "Talented Tenth," emerged as a vocal and influential force within the movement. They used their education and resources to advocate for desegregation and equal opportunities. However, the economic struggles faced by working-class African Americans often diverged from their middle-class counterparts, leading to tensions within the movement.