Black Students in White Skins.
Introduction They are all around us. They may be our neighbors, friends, and classmates. They are White Africans (white on the outside and partially black on the inside.) Of the 281 million Americans (not counting unregistered immigrants) SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN (2003) estimates that White Africans (21% of White Caucasians) have Black heritage. In doing the math, there are more White Africans than Black Africans Further; pure Black Africans are a super minority. Black Caucasians (Black on the outside who have partial white heritage on the inside) constitute 70% of Blacks. The large percentage of Black Caucasian date back to sex liaisons of White owners and Black slave girls (US NEWS (2004). A more current example of a non-predatory relationship is the late Senator Strom Thurmond's first bi-racial daughter who attended a predominantly black college. WHITE AFRICAN STUDENTS For many students who know their black heritage and have a white appearance, they are aware or become involved in "passing." They populate classrooms all across the country. According to Lawrence Graham's OUR KIND OF PEOPLE (2000) his account is the historical and present state of the black elite in the United States. Their semi-secret life is based not on what they want hidden, but rather their desire to find a "safe retreat" for themselves and their children. Jack and Jill Clubs, Sag Harbor, Howard, Spellman, and Morehouse universities are part of their lifestyle. Oprah Winfrey's THE WEDDING is a movie based on the black elite in Martha's Vineyard. BLACK ELITE STUDENTS The elite had some advantages other blacks are less likely to have. Their slave masters facing death and fear of damnation gave them their freedom and inheritance before the civil war. Further, they were the sons and daughters of the master and worked inside the homes of white gentry. The children regardless of color played together. Today, black elite may discuss their "black" and "white" cousins. "White cousins" (White Africans) start their transformation to a total white identity in college. In adding to their whiteness, they join churches with all white members, white clubs, and white residential suburbs. They join the political party with predominantly white members. They go on to upper division undergraduate and graduate/postgraduate work at predominantly white colleges and universities. OTHER STRATEGIES TO BECOME A 'WHITE' STUDENT Additionally, these students rarely stay in the sun and avoid having pictures taken with black students or the general black population. …