A crucial mechanism for survival in the black community’s struggle
The “substance of things hoped for” is a crucial mechanism for survival in the black community’s struggle because it is extremely important not only to dream about freedom and prosperity but to follow the dream and embody the plans and expectations. Thus the author shows us the history of the achievements made by the slaves and by his contemporaries. The struggle must be won in order to become free and to stop the oppression of the black community.
Effectiveness of the education
The different posts filled by Dr. Proctor are documented in his book: degrees from the Universities of Virginia and Boston, the degree from theological seminary; obtained a position of the president of the Virginia Union University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. He wanted his experience of the previous position to be effective while obtaining the next one: “I longed to settle into a normal position with a challenge that was close to my training and experience” (Proctor, 116).
The role of the middle-class African Americans
The middle-class blacks are believed by Dr. Proctor to be positive in their thoughts and actions; and claims that white authorities disbelieve it: “It is unreal to them that any black person could have a positive outlook on life” (Proctor, 177). He suggests that it is necessary to encourage people in their intentions and cravings and make them believe in the power and action of the federal government. The author also blames the “cultural advocates and black separatists” (Proctor, XV) in disregard the struggles of black people for freedom. He claims that hard work and deep faith can help the blacks to achieve their goals.
Influence of the family
Dr. Proctor makes emphasis on his own idea of the genuine community and the way that should be chosen in order to reach it, the practice should be used instead of theory and demagogy. His method is based on the aspects of human life involving individual intentions and achievements and the change in the family structure and values which should be reconstructed and reconsidered. The family is as important for the creation of the new society as education, progress and mutual cooperation.
National Youth Academies
Education is believed on of the most powerful weapons. Thus Dr. Proctor was sure that the educated African American people would be able to achieve better results than the uneducated ones. It was necessary to create National Youth Academies in order to change the young generation of Americans with the help of school reform. The efficient teaching programs are aimed at reconsidering the role of youth in the development of the community.
Life in America
Dr. Proctor believes that America is the most appropriate country for the establishment of a genuine community. He suggests that it is not necessary for African Americans to separate from society; instead, it is possible to help this country to prosper. The author of the book claims that to reach success in the struggle with racism is progress. It is important to believe, to have faith in the future of life in America. The goals are believed to be achieved with the help of being the unity, the integral part of the society.
Works Cited
Proctor, Samuel DeWitt. The substance of Things Hoped For. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995.