Final answer:
African Americans face a barrier to full acceptance in American society due to the enduring legacy of systemic racism, causing economic disadvantages and impacting their educational opportunities. Discriminatory laws and practices such as Jim Crow and redlining have contributed to these barriers despite efforts to improve equality through affirmative action and other initiatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
One barrier to full acceptance in American society faced by African Americans is the enduring legacy of systemic racism that has historically manifested in segregation, discrimination, and socioeconomic inequalities. Research indicates that, despite being academically capable, African Americans often face economic disadvantages which can impede their educational pursuits. The history of Black America, including the legacy of slavery and the continuing impact of racism, has created impediments to gaining necessary life skills. Discriminatory laws and practices, such as Jim Crow laws and redlining, have historically contributed to barriers in different facets of life, including education, voting rights, and housing.
Recent policies and initiatives aim to address these disparities, though challenges persist. For example, affirmative action has been implemented to encourage black enrollment in colleges, yet it faces scrutiny and legal challenges. Similarly, while some progress has been made, with a reported increase inequality levels measured by the National Urban League, African Americans still face significant challenges, including a poverty rate that is three times greater than that for whites and an alarming number of young black men involved in the criminal justice system.
The struggle for civil rights and equality did not end with the successes of the 1960s; it continues as African Americans face obstacles related to both historic and ongoing discrimination. The fight for equality and social justice is an ongoing process, with progress being slow, uneven, and often frustrating for the African American community.