Reviews

Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class by Lawrence Otis Graham

thechanelmuse's review against another edition

Pretentious and long af, yet detailed and well-explained (even tho I was privy to some) as the author traverses the selective member clubs to the hidden, snooty ass realms of the name dropping, degree stacking, title having, approval seeking, shoulder rubbing, "it" club craving, new residential address eyeing (non-entertainment) Black American upper class.

The layer that is not unveiled in this book is how their legacy organizations play a part in running interference in the progress of Black Americans "underneath" them to control what's accessible and make sure their own movability is with ease. Can't give everything away, right?

shelleydavis's review against another edition

2.0

DNF- while I think it was very relevant at the time of publication, 23 years later it’s a bit outdated. I think it provides a good background for those who are not part of black middle class culture- many of the things discussed in the book no longer apply

mkylm's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

4.0

A deep dive into the Black elite. While the book was published with my parents as the target audience, I enjoyed reading it and learning about a group of people. I knew some parts but learned a lot. 

belanna2's review against another edition

informative fast-paced

4.75

briaraq's review against another edition

3.0

I know a lot of people have a lot to say about this book, and Lawrence Otis Graham definitely sounds pretentious asl. BUT there’s a lot of great history in this book. A lot of it is outdated, but there's no harm in learning about how the black elite lived back then.

I would also like to point out that since publishing this book Graham has said "I taught my black kids that their elite upbringing would protect them from discrimination. I was wrong." That's important to take into account when talking about Graham.

Also, this book made me wonder what would’ve happened if the Greenwood District in Tulsa was never destroyed. I wonder where those people would be today and what their lineage would look like.

divantefrazier's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

belit_lovejas's review against another edition

informative reflective slow-paced

4.0

docturman's review against another edition

2.0

This book is good for an introductory course on Blackness and Class if paired with other works from varying viewpoints and throughout Black folks' time on this continent. I won't comment on the author specifically, except to say, "meh!"

ronilynnreads's review against another edition

4.0

I read this book years ago and much of it still resonates with me today. A great insider's look at a lifestyle that not many blacks participated in...especially not those from the south. It's a fascinating read.

msmith170's review against another edition

5.0

As Graham explains near the end of his exploration of the black elite, to ignore the reality of class differences amongst African Americans is to ignore a vital and important part of our history. We must remain blissfully aware of the struggles and history that led to a small, but very real black elite. And we also must celebrate it. The book also serves as a challenge towards members of the black elite. Graham does not whitewash any of the communities he visits and points out their flaws that often emerge from class prejudice towards other blacks. Although the book was published in 2000, it still has an urgent and impactful message that warns of the potential dangers of the continued process of integration and civil rights activism. This is best exhibited through the last chapter, which focuses on the harmfulness of colorism and “passing”. Graham pointed out back in 2000 that it was an issue becoming less relevant in the modern black community, but he also points out there will always be the temptation to “pass”, which is certainly true for modern-day African-Americans living in even the most liberal cities as interracial relationships/friendships continue to be normalized. As African Americans continue to make slow, but incremental economic progress – there will always be the temptation to “pass”. We must never forget where we came from or who we truly are, while also being unabashedly unashamed of our heritage.