“Black people are the magical faces at the bottom of society's well. Even the poorest whites, those who must live their lives only a few levels above, gain their self-esteem by gazing down on us. Surely, they must know that their deliverance depends on letting down their ropes. Only by working together is escape possible. Over time, many reach out, but most simply watch, mesmerized into maintaining their unspoken commitment to keeping us where we are, at whatever cost to them or to us (Bell).”
Quote by Derrick Bell
Work
Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism
This book delves into the historical and social factors contributing to the enduring presence of racism, analyzing its impact on various aspects of life. more
Author
Derrick Bell
Derrick Bell was a prominent law professor recognized for his contributions to civil rights and critical race theory. He was the first African American to be tenured at the University of Oregon School of Law and the first African American dean of the University of Buffalo Law School. Bell's career was characterized by his advocacy for racial equality and his influential scholarship that questioned the legal establishment. more
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