Why did Bethune believe that it was vital for African Americans to be self-sufficient?
A Widespread racism denied African Americans fair access to good jobs, education, and public institutions.
B Many African American families had to split up and move across the country to find work.
C Local politicians would have enough money to help African Americans pay for housing.
D African Americans could teach other people to learn how to read in order to register to vote.
The correct answer is A: Widespread racism denied African Americans fair access to good jobs, education, and public institutions.
Explanation: Bethune believed that self-sufficiency was essential for African Americans because systemic racism hindered their access to resources, opportunities, and societal participation. By fostering self-sufficiency, African Americans could build their own economic and social structures, empowering themselves in a society that often marginalized them. This independence was seen as a way to combat the limitations imposed by discrimination.