"A Dream Deferred" is a non-fiction book by Shelby Steele, published in 1998. The book explores the state of African-American identity and culture in the United States in the wake of the Civil Rights movement. Steele argues that despite the gains made by African Americans in terms of legal rights and opportunities, the community continues to struggle with the legacy of slavery and racism. He suggests that African Americans have been trapped by a victim mentality, and that their pursuit of identity and power has often been hindered by a reliance on political correctness and a refusal to take responsibility for their own actions. The book has been both praised and criticized for its provocative and controversial ideas, and is considered a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about race and identity in America.