Albert Einstein: The Negro Question (1946)

You can read the entire essay by Albert Einstein here. Here are the first three paragraphs where he justifies himself, as a relative newcomer to the United States, on why his opinion is as valid as any other opinion from an American who was born and raised in this country:

     I am writing as one who has lived among you in America only a little more than ten years. And I am writing seriously and warningly. Many readers may ask:
     "What right has he to speak about things which concern us alone, and which no newcomer should touch?"
     I do not think such a standpoint is justified. One who has grown up in an environment takes much for granted. On the other hand, one who has come to this country as a mature person may have a keen eye for everything peculiar and characteristic. I believe he should speak out freely on what he sees and feels, for by so doing he may perhaps prove himself useful.