A couple of weeks ago, I watched the CNN production of "Black in America," but, unfortunately, I didn't learn a thing. Over the years, we African Americans have been discovered, studied, probed, discussed, dissected and analyzed at nauseum. This was just another example.

During the show, we were offered insights into what goes on inside the Black Community, as if there is only one such entity. Too many pretend that African Americans are all the same with a common slanguage, a secret handshake, a natural sense of rhythm, unelected leaders that get called to network news shows whenever something happens to a person of color, and music that belongs only to us.

The truth is that there is no singular Black Community in America any more than there is a singular White Community. From sea to shining sea, people of all colors, nationalities, religions, languages and economic conditions live in as many communities as you can find words to describe reasons for people to live in proximity to each other (which is what makes a community, after all).

Wealthy and middle-class Black and White folks mostly live close to each other in communities where the only color that matters is green. They attend the same schools, join the same clubs and get together for pool parties and barbecues. Except for religious or cultural groups, such as the Amish, or where there is a dominant language, neighborhoods where you find residents of a single ethnic group are usually located amidst high unemployment, poor schools, inadequate housing and few recreational facilities other than an occasional dilapidated basketball court. You can call that Black America, if you wish, but you can also call it Latino America, or White America because all are afflicted by the disease of poverty.

In America, a person is defined as "black" if he or she has one African ancestor, no matter how far up the family tree that ancestor is hiding. It is estimated that about one-third of so-called white people in America fit this description, but even when they know about it, they are hardly likely to admit it. In addition, many who call themselves Latino or Hispanic have an African ancestor or two in their backgrounds. Slave traders generously dropped off their cargo in Puerto Rico, Cuba, the West Indies and Central and South America, which makes for some interesting mixtures throughout this hemisphere.

My point is that there is no single place called Black America, nor is there only one black community. And if you agree with that, you must also agree that there is no singular black experience in America. Even though no thinking person would deny that blind racism still exists, America is a lot more integrated than some want to admit. It's part jazz, part Europe, part tacos and cuchifritos, part blues, part pizza, part bluegrass -- contributions from every group that passes through. And, within that America, any persons who are motivated enough can get an education and rise to the top jobs in the nation.

If you don't believe that last sentence, take a good look around you. They may not be represented equally to their population percentages, but they are there. Corporation CEOs, chairs of important political committees, generals, secretaries of state, football and basketball coaches. Ask Colin Powell, ask Bill Richardson, ask Condi Rice, ask P. Diddy, or ask any of those people of color who have defied the odds and appear on television from time to time. They may have had to travel a difficult road, but they got there.

Barack Obama is one of them. Contrary to what some think, Obama has worked all his life to become a politician; whatever else he is comes second. If he is elected president, nothing much will change except for the skin colors of the White House live-ins. Barack and Michelle are much too smart to interfere with centuries of tradition. I'm sure, however, that if any racist practices exist within their spheres of influence, they will disappear quickly and quietly.

Anyone who is silly enough to think there will be a cultural change in the White House if Obama is elected only needs to attend a jazz or blues festival. More than one blues musician has told me that if it weren't for white fan support, their music would have died out long ago. All you have to do is to check out the audiences. Jazz and blues are now American music, our gift to the national identity. And it is common knowledge that rap music is financed by young whites from the suburbs who buy most of the CDs.

CNN may think that there is some place in this nation known as "Black America," but they are wrong. Unless your brown skin is the result of suntan lotion, your road may be rougher. But I do suggest that anyone who wants it badly enough can secure the American dream. Just don't think it will be easy. It never is.