A Review of Hoffman's Race Traits and Tendencies of the American Negro The American Negro Academy. Occasional Papers No. 1

"A Review of Hoffman's Race Traits and Tendencies of the American Negro" by Kelly Miller is a late 19th-century analysis that challenges claims made about the natural downswing of the Negro population. Published in 1897, the review goes toe to toe with Frederick L. Hoffman's ideas concerning race and morality in America, arguing that Hoffman wrongly blames race instead of looking at outside causes. Miller puts forward evidence that counters those ideas. He says that poverty, poor health care, and unfair treatment all play a big part in the challenges faced by the Negro community. He thinks that by improving living conditions, the Negro community can continue to be strong and make progress. This thinking goes directly against beliefs that race alone decides someone's future.