Historian and Princeton University Professor Nel Painter said that: "White identity in America is ideology, not biology." If that is the case than discrimination on the basis of skin color is the wrong focus.

For this reason we can't say definitively that injustices exist in Accounting and education especially because we believe there is so much opportunity in the industry. What we can do is thoughtfully engage with the comments made by historians and past leaders; and make action practical in our sphere of influence.

W.E. B. Dubois said: "the problem of the 20th Century is the problem of the color line" we think the same problem exists in the 21st century. If we follow the steps MLK Jr. outlined in "Letter from Birmingham Jail" we can understand this line, and how we can contribute to a new ideology rooted in education, mentorship, and an ability to build a career we enjoy.

Learning Objective

• Concept map the evolving definition of white identity in America

• Understand what Dubois describes as the color line