Black children and Black people are told that if they simply follow the rules, they can make it into the middle class, where the hope is that they will experience some level of stability. When this respectability formula links up with Christian dogma about God’s favor, one comes to believe that their access to a stable social life, with the ability to pay their bills, have secure and affordable housing, healthy and affordable meals, good public schools, and a bit of discretionary income is a function of God’s blessing and favor.
