Author: Elton Thomas

Publisher: Elton Thomas

Published: 2024-10-07

Total Pages: 181

ISBN-13:

Barrier Statistics: An Analytical Perspective on American History uncovers how statistics, often seen as objective facts, have historically been used to uphold societal barriers and perpetuate inequality. This groundbreaking book delves into the dark side of data, showing how numbers have been manipulated to justify policies that marginalized entire communities—whether based on race, gender, ability, or economic status. From the doctrine of “separate but equal” that reinforced racial segregation to the misleading data that denied women access to equal pay, this book takes a critical look at how statistics have played a key role in maintaining injustice. In Barrier Statistics, author Elton Thomas—a passionate advocate for the disability community and seasoned leader in process improvement—takes readers on a journey through pivotal moments in American history where data was weaponized to maintain systemic barriers. Whether it’s the exclusion of people with disabilities from public transportation, the disproportionate incarceration of Black men justified by biased crime statistics, or the environmental injustice faced by marginalized communities, Thomas reveals how numbers were often used as tools of oppression. This analytical approach reexamines the societal impact of data that shaped national policies and perpetuated inequality for generations. Drawing from a wide range of historical events and using real-life examples, the book shines a light on the people who fought back against these “barrier statistics.” Civil rights leaders, disability advocates, and grassroots movements worked to dismantle these flawed narratives, demanding transparency, equity, and better data. Their tireless efforts remind us that statistics can also be a powerful tool for liberation when used responsibly and inclusively. Thomas highlights leaders like Max Starkloff, who challenged transportation systems that excluded wheelchair users, and Thurgood Marshall, who exposed the racist data used to defend segregation in schools, demonstrating how these figures reshaped the narrative to fight for justice. This book isn’t just a historical recount—it’s a call to action. As we enter a new era dominated by big data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, Barrier Statistics encourages readers to critically examine the information we rely on today. With data playing an increasingly central role in decision-making, the future depends on our ability to ensure that numbers are used to dismantle barriers, not reinforce them. Elton Thomas, who is legally blind, brings a unique perspective to this work as a long-time advocate for the disability community. With years of experience working at the Lighthouse for the Blind to improve employment for individuals who are blind, and serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors at Paraquad, a leading independent living center in St. Louis, Missouri, Thomas is committed to creating opportunities for marginalized communities. Combining his expertise as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and an MBA graduate from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Thomas presents a compelling argument for how data has shaped societal norms and offers insights into how we can use statistics to build a more just and equitable future. Barrier Statistics: An Analytical Perspective on American History is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, data, and social justice. Whether you are a student of history, a policy analyst, or an activist fighting for change, this book will deepen your understanding of how data has been used—and misused—in shaping the American experience. It challenges readers to question the numbers we often take at face value and offers hope for a future where data serves as a tool for progress rather than exclusion.