Read it in the same sociology class at about the same time, I believe.  

Of course, by then, I had already left honky Oregon and spent four years in the Air Force with diverse members of US society who were, even then, judged mainly on results instead of primarily on ethnicity.

Had black peers, subordinates and superiors.  

Meritocracy was the stated goal; even if it didn't succeed 100%.  Nothing ever does.