Introduction

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone.

I'm finally able to believe that my parents moved me to the suburbs because they loved me. I used to believe it was done in a vain attempt to convince their friends and the world that they'd made it. This may have been part of the reason, but not all. They also had a genuine desire to see me advance. My parents understood that human beings have comfort zones that differ because of experience and internal drive. Stepping out of the zone can mean pleasure and success. But most rarely try it because it too often means pain or humiliation. My parents didn't like my original zone, so they tried to buy me another. Knowing what I know now, I don't know what I would have done if I had been in their place.

Most books about the Black middle class describe the 30 to 40-something baby boomers-their struggles with corporate America, their movements into suburbia, their anger. They didn't have a chance to make it, but we do. In telling you why, this book describes the experiences of the 20-something generation-our struggles, our failures, our triumphs. Everything you read is based upon the true life experiences of real BUPPs.

Introduction
Stage I: Fledglings
Stage II: Chocolate Cream
Stage III: Rage & Destroy
Stage IV: Wanna Be Blacks
Stage V: Empowered
Stage VI: Passing