Ever since the Civil War, civil rights for negros was reconized as a serious problem, but many thought it was only an issue in the South. The segragation of busses, schools and other public facilities illustrated the seriousness of the problem, and a major descripency between the South and the rest of the US. The situtation was so bad in the South that it took the attention from racial inequalities in other parts of the US. Civil rights was so conc

When blacks did speak, they were ignored. Griffin often was embarrassed when he would repeat the same things as a Negro, and receive a much greater ovation. Once at a lecture, a Negro industrial psychologist pointed out that a educated man like himself still has to walk twenty miles in the South to find a colored café, and unable to rent, buy, or lease a home in the city, is forced to walk twenty miles to work. The white professors responded by saying, “if you’re going to be cynical, I don’t see how you can expect us to do anything for you”(Bonazzi 93). The view of the white man leading the black man out of the jungle was shared with the majority of white civil rights advocates.

This came as a slap in the face to many that had dedicated their lives to civil rights. It also was a shock to so many northern whites that thought equality was just around the corner. Many universities made way for the demand of more black professors. Many that lost their place in the Universities felt resentment. One medical professor from Berkley told the San Francisco Chronicle, “well, I hope when they get sick they call one of their own”(Griffin 190). Many resented being left out and excluded from the solution of racial discrimination. After all, racism affects humanity as a whole, not just the discriminated. Those who thought equality was right around the corner couldn't face the truth of how bad things really were. Much more work was to be done if the dream of a truley integrated society would ever be possible.

Black Like Me had a profound impact on society. It not only caught the attention of sociologists and civil rights leaders, but started heated debates about racism all over the world. It became an instant best seller not only in the U.S., but in England and France as well. Students and teachers of all grade levels from all over the world were touched. Today Black Like Me is required reading from grade school to college.

Griffin was invited to numerous lectures and debates dealing with racial prejudice. Cities and universities asked him to help them study and deal with racism. Griffin soon recognized the view of an inferior Negro was shared by Northern states as well as the South. Many professors, sociologists, and politicians that dedicated their time to civil rights were blind to racial discrimination in the North. The black population was usually left out of discussions and debates about racism. Politicians and professors would spend a great deal of time having Griffin travel across the country to talk about an issue that any black American could be speaking about. Once the mayor of Rochester N.Y. invited Griffin to discuss racial difficulties in the community. After his lecture a city council member asked about the first steps needed to be done. Griffin pointed out that Rochester was filled with knowledgeable black

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