So, first, a tiny bit of context, in the video link below.
Articulate African Americans were literally not allowed to be Black by the racist structure that had enslaved them.
There was a time that eloquence and grace were attributes to be valued. Think of Paul Robeson, or Harry Belefonte, Jackie Robinson, or Dr. King, or Malcolm. Respect and poise were never confused with weakness. Far from it: they were signs of strength, self control, and maturity.
Anyone who hoped that voting for a Black president meant you'd be putting a thug in the White House really ought to re-think their understanding of what it means to be an African American. And I mean that even more for the African Americans who happen to read this than our Caucasian brothers & sisters out there.