Either Invisibility, or Entertainment

Through our main characters "battle royal" scene, we are shown the true nature of the world in this time period. Respectable businessmen and social leaders are stripped down to nothing but drunken racists. As the ring fills with victims, it becomes clear how much these "leaders" see black people only as their play things and nothing more. By the end however, He is rewarded for his efforts through a full scholarship to college. Now one might say that it was worth it, that he paid his dues entertaining them and now he can move on to bigger and better things. But as the chapter ends we're given even further confirmation on just how much black people in this time period were treated as pawns and animals. "To Whom it may Concern, Keep this Nigger-boy Running". As his grandfather's laughter fills the room, he realizes the truth of the situation. His speech did not earn him this scholarship. It definitely helped him sure, but all in all it was his obedience, his loyalty to those white men, and his overall determination that gave him that scholarship. Why? Because he is strictly entertainment. The "whom it may concern" will be his new audience/master, and him "running" will hold less speeches than he thinks. While I haven't read further, I can only guess that this concept is expanded on, he is treated this way again, and eventually realizes that being a successful black man in this day of age is nearly impossible. And so he takes up his mantel as the invisible man, and follows his own agenda. Not successful, but not someone's clown either.