From the comments:

Matt Nadler ·
Selwyn House School
Dr. Rose, a person of color who has succeeded in getting a PhD and teaches at a unversity within the American culture. While she may not want to accept that as an example of the American Dream, it is. She likely gets paid better than most Americans, has good healthcare, stable housing, and is saving for her retirement. All of these represent elements of the Amercian Dream, where her hard work payed off. Would she argue that she didn't achieve this by way of merit? While she may not have the success and fame of Beyonce, few people do. That does not mean a black person is prevented from succeeding here with more modest measures.