Could you imagine being limited by something that has nothing to do with your skills or abilities? If you look at the leadership positions of many large global companies, you will find that few women occupy them. This contrast may also be related to the role of African Americans in business. This is very evident when we consider the number of black CEOs compared to white executives. Something is stopping them from reaching the top. Examples of this can be found in The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Hayley. Although many people believe that racial discrimination is mostly a thing of the past, it remains an invisible barrier in one of the most important areas of life: the workplace. The term “glass ceiling” was coined by the Wall Street Journal to describe racial discrimination. “the apparent barriers that prevent women from reaching the top of the corporate hierarchy” (Women in business). Today, it applies to all discrimination preventing professional advancement. Business Training defines it as “A phrase used to describe an invisible barrier to promotion. It can also be seen as a blanket opportunity on the surface, when in reality the “glass ceiling” is reached and growth or promotion stops.” African Americans face many problems in the workplace, including: barriers to employment, difficulties in promotion and advancement, access to "minority" positions, and lack of access to network and mentors (Queralt). Discrimination encountered in the employment process explains a notable difference. in employment status between Caucasian and African American professionals (Laseter). For example, people responsible for hiring new employees often harbor judgments and stereotypes about African Americans that contribute to...... middle of paper ......A. Wissoker. “An analysis of the correlates and sicrimination faced by young Hispanic job seekers.” American Economic Review (1994): 84, 674-683. Laseter, RL Labor force participation of young black men: A qualitative examination. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press, 1998. McCoy, F. “Rethinking the Cost of Discrimination.” Black Enterprise (2000): 25, 54-59. Queralt, M. The Social Environment and Human Behavior: A Diversity Perspective. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 1995.Skidmore, RA Social Work Administration: Dynamic Management and Human Relations, 3rd ed. Needham Heights, ME: Allyn & Bacon, 1995. Turner, M. A, M. Fix, and R. J. Struyk. Hiring discrimination against black men. The Urban Institute Policy and Research Report. Washington, DC, 1999. “Women in Business: The Glass Ceiling Conundrum.” The Economist, May 4. 2010.