Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class

Lawrence Otis Graham

Book cover for Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class
Book cover for Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class

Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class

Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class

Lawrence Otis Graham

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Description

"Our Kind of People" is the first book written about the insular world of the black upper class by a member of this hard-to-penetrate group. A conservative network of families dating back to the first black millionaires of the 1880s, the black elite has developed in own rules for membership and for maintaining a place in a world that is unaware of its vast contributions. Through six years of interviews with more than three hundred prominent families and individuals, journalist and commentator Lawrence Otis Graham weaves together the revealing stories and fascinating experiences of upper-class blacks who grew up with privilege and power. With photographs and stories, the author takes us to the mansions they built in the 1880s, as well as to black-tie debutante cotillions and dinners hosted by the "best" families and social groups.

Critical Reviews

"Fascinating. . . . [Graham] has made a major contribution both to African-American studies and the larger American picture." -- New York Times

"Strong reportage. . . a highly detailed picture of a world that few of us know." -- Washington Post

"A timely examination given the growth of the black middle class and expanded racial integration." -- Booklist

"Captivating...from debutante cotillions and the right vacation spots to who's in and out and who's not." -- Los Angeles Magazine

"A must read casts an unblinking eye on America's black elite." -- Publisher's Weekly

"A provocative and important study of the world of priviliged African Americans." -- New York Post

"Captivating...From debutante cotillions and the right vacation spots to who's in and who's not." -- Los Angeles Magazine

"In this groundbreaking work, Graham has interwoven history, genealogy, interviews and personal experience into a thoroughly readable account of this elite group. Recommended for all libraries." -- Library Journal

"A fascinating study in the attitudes and concerns of "old money" and the way that even the most subtle of color issues permeatedaily life." -- Daily News

Publishing Information

Publisher: Harper Perennial
Pub date: 1999-12-22
Length: 448 pages

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