Abstract
Stratification literature documents the importance of social inheritance in attaining elite status and recognizes that resources for status attainment vary with social group and historical era. This study focuses on resources historically specific to the black experience in examining the social inheritance of stratification in the black community. Using a random sample of eminent blacks and data on female and male lineages, contemporary eminent blacks were found to be predominantly the descendants of families characterized by antebellum freedom, lighter skin, urban residence and higher education and occupational attainment. Mothers were important in the transmission of achievement values, often making a critical difference. Importance offamily was demonstrated by the educational attainment of siblings.
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