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Black and white Quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates

“Rates of black poverty have decreased. Black teen-pregnancy rates are at record lows - and the gap between black and white teen-pregnancy rates has shrunk significantly. But such progress rests on a shaky foundation, and fault lines are everywhere.” quote by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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“Rates of black poverty have decreased. Black teen-pregnancy rates are at record lows - and the gap between black and white teen-pregnancy rates has shrunk significantly. But such progress rests on a shaky foundation, and fault lines are everywhere.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates

About This Quote

Source Essay: Between the World and Me, Ta‑Nehisi Coates, 2015

Black progress is real but fragile, built on systemic inequities that could unravel.

In simple terms: Progress is fragile and rests on shaky foundations.

Key Takeaway

Work to strengthen systemic support.

Themes

race inequality progress systemic risk

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

  • education reform
  • housing policy
  • healthcare access
  • community building

Key Concepts

structural racism policy social stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What policies can solidify gains?
  • How to address hidden fault lines?
A Different Perspective

Progress can be reversed without sustained effort.

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