More thesis help?

Question

Okay, I think I finally came up with a thesis, but my next problem is coming up with the reasons. Do these make sense to you? Do you have a better idea? Please tell me if you do. Your help is VERY MUCH appreciated... I suck at english.

My thesis: -Black innovators were more beneficial to the plight of blacks in the nineteenth century than any other people.

The black plight according to me is to gain respect and be able to live free.

Reason 1: Slave inventors proved that slaves were much smarter than anticipated, gaining blacks respect in that respect.

Reason 2: Free blacks founded schools for other black children. Education leads to change.

Reason 3: Many black inventors used the money they used to purchase other blacks out of slavery.

Answer 1

You reasons sound good - but do you have enough detail to support them - if you do - I would say go for it!!!!

Good Luck!!!

Answer 2

I think your reasons sound good, but I have never heard the word "plight" used like that before. "Plight" usually means an unfavorable state or condition and in your thesis, it sounds like you're saying, "Black innovators were more beneficial to the suffering of blacks in the nineteenth century than any other people," and that clearly is the total opposite of your argument. Maybe I've just never seen the word used like that, but I would suggest using something else. Perhaps you could say, "Black innovators were more beneficial in the struggle of blacks to gain respect and freedom in the nineteenth century than any other people," and then work those three reasons into a three-pronged sentence/thesis. That would also give your essay some organization as each body paragraph would discuss each corresponding prong/reason. (body paragraph #1 would talk about prong/reason #1, etc.)
Hope this helps, good luck on your paper! It sounds like a really interesting topic.