<p>The very definition of complacent you provided included self-satisfaction. And that’s exactly the problem I was pointing to: that many students, African American or otherwise, have become self-satisfied and surrendered themselves to inertia. You do make a valid point about “complacency” not being a perfect description of these sorts of individuals; perhaps “swollen-headed popinjays” would do better. 
And this is not to say that minorities are the only ones to suffer from this malaise–it is just that when a minority does not passionately pursue its studies, it will suffer an even more disparate impact.*</p>
<p>With regards to the rewards of getting good grades being obvious, I think that may apply more so to those who receive recognition for their grades than for others. Isn’t it the recognition of one’s achievements that helps, although not ultimately, to give the good grades their value? </p>
<p>In terms of finding ways to give/renew hope, I’m afraid I won’t be able to offer anything in the way of suggestion besides the bitter pill of hard work, persistent prayer, and meaningful societal investment in the improvement of struggling students. Dumbing down state assessment exams is not the way to go in terms of societal investment, and neither is the social promotion of failing students through grades. Parental involvement must be enlisted, and if it is not readily available, then mentorships are the next best thing. Holding high expectations is key, as is an understanding of the student’s home environment and economic situation. But at a certain point, corrupting influences that have managed to disintegrate community structures must be dealt with. Drugs present an especially terrible problem, since current policies are rather stringent (and do not look like they are on the path to becoming more sensible like Portugal’s decriminalization policy >.<). Schools are microcosms of their communities, and that’s why change has to start in either place before anything can happen. This is rather idealistic and bland, but it’s true.</p>
<p>This is not to say that I advocate the whole ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ idea; this would be nearly impossible for most, given the external cultural and economic conditions that they face and are powerless (for the most part) to change. And if I had been forced to pull myself up by my bootstraps, I wouldn’t be here today. But hard work + a heckuva lotta luck and God-given opportunity = incremental movement up the socioeconomic ladder. </p>
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<p>*And I recognize the limitations of this statement past a certain level of educational achievement, given [url=<a href=“http://www.economics.harvard.edu/faculty/mullainathan/files/emilygreg.pdf]this[/url”>http://www.economics.harvard.edu/faculty/mullainathan/files/emilygreg.pdf]this[/url</a>] study.</p>