Derrick Bell and the Ideology of Racial Reform: Will We Ever Be Saved?

26 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2016

See all articles by Richard Delgado

Richard Delgado

Seattle University School of Law

Date Written: 1988

Abstract

This article analyzes optimism and despair in the writing of a major Critical Race Theory figure. Derrick Bell is considered one of the movement’s founders and leading writers. Yet his work is at times overtly pessimistic — he believes that American society will never elevate blacks to full equality. Yet, he encourages his readers to struggle for that goal. Are these two elements in his thought irreconcilable? No, effort and struggle in pursuit of impossible goals is, at times, fulfilling and satisfying, often the only alternative open to a person in a desperate situation.

Keywords: critical race theory, civil rights, activist scholarship

Suggested Citation

Delgado, Richard, Derrick Bell and the Ideology of Racial Reform: Will We Ever Be Saved? (1988). Yale Law Journal, Vol. 97, 1988, U of Alabama Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2712361, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2712361

Richard Delgado (Contact Author)

Seattle University School of Law ( email )

WA
United States

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