In the scope of the world this is not a large thing but I happened to see part of news cast featuring Black Comedian turned civil rights activist "Dick Gregory" and Black civil rights activist "James Meredith."

Mr. Gregory was on the standard it is not 'our' fault so it must be........in accounting for Black Americans lack of broad success in the U.S.

HOWEVER, Mr. Meredith flatly stated "If Black Americans do not learn to properly speak the English language they will never enjoy broad success in the United States !"
Mr. Meredith went on to point out that all other immigrant groups - Italians, Irish, Polish, etc., - have learned to speak the language and have enjoyed success.
Mr. Meredith's final point was was "There is no reason a Black American cannot be 'anything' in America today!"

Refreshing.

Yeah, I watched that.  Meredith has the real world experience that Gregory lacks.  

Yeah, Gregory lives somewhere out in the Hollywood world - mentally.

Good to hear Meredith, who has (or maybe 'had') real credibility in the civil rights movement talk openly about black Americans learning to speak english as a part of success.