ABSTRACT
This quotation is especially illuminating because Michelle Obama’s personal statement suggesting that education is seen as a key to success reflects a narrative of meritocracy and work ethic, which is embedded in black diaspora habitus. This statement also goes to the heart of the liberal democratic meritocratic ideals of education and schooling which is adhered to on both sides of the Atlantic (e.g. Fordham, 1996; Loury et al, 2005).
