1930s—1940s: Benjamin Davis Sr. becomes the first black general in the United States Army in American history.

Today: African Americans hold important positions in Congress and all divisions of the armed forces. Colin Powell, an African American, held the prestigious position of Secretary of State under the first term of the George W. Bush presidency.

1930s—1940s: Jackie Robinson becomes the first black to play Major League Baseball.

Today: Players of all ethnicities, races and nationalities play throughout the United States in Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Football League and the National Hockey League.

1930s—1940s: Franklin Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act and the Wealth Tax Act is passed, helping alleviate the unjust concentration of wealth and power.

Today: The United States is enduring a struggling economy. In the last quarter of 2003 the Bureau of Labor Statistics...