Street dreams. (Letters).

A YEAR AGO, I DECIDED TO GIVE YOUR magazine a fixed presence in my life and became a subscriber. I was seeking direction that would give my actions as a business executive meaning. When I graduated from Berkeley in 1988, I hated BLACK ENTERPRISE. The content was a constant reminder of how far we had not come as black executives. Then your magazine began to catch up with my immature, grandiose expectations.

Today, I can actually say that your article on the "Top 50 African Americans on Wall Street" in the October 2002 issue has [surpassed those expectations]." These executives' credentials and the positions they hold are quite spectacular. Welcome to the present, my friend.

Your editorials ["Making History on Wall Street:' Publisher's Page, October 2002] have always been inspiring. [The editorial inspired me to give] my daughter a copy of Black Enterprise's Teenpreneur.

I appreciate your editorial about young, talented blacks who are washed out from Wall Street within a decade [of their arrival]. You could write a book on the reasons why; it would range from outright racism to just stupid arrogance and an inability to "kiss the ring."

I just hope that the top 50 black people you have highlighted are like the one that I met at a fund-raiser while seeking to fulfill my dreams of becoming a Wall Street player. His name is Darwin Davis Sr., of Equitable Life Insurance (now AXA Advisors). It was a black-tie event at the Waldorf Astoria, and I was an out-of-work program trader.

My colleague said, "Will, there goes D.D." I said, "Who is that?" He said, "He is big, baby." I went over to introduce myself, and I gave him a quick bio. He said, "Here is my card. Come to my office tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m." I couldn't believe this guy was going to be my mentor.

[The next morning], after talking to me, he made some calls. When he hung up the phone for the last time, he said, "Can you find Goldman Sachs? This guy [I know] may have something for a handsome, smart young guy like yourself." I ran out of his office, thanking him. The guy at Goldman was not as helpful, but that's OK--you live and learn that, as a people, we are not a monolith. I understand survival very well. There are many ways to the top.

I am not done with Wall Street. At 37, I just need some time to regroup. On my return, I may bring Willie Daniels (co-founder of the black investment firm Daniels & Bell) along for the ride, as he helped me compete against our friends in program trading. It was historic for me. I was part of a true black success story. When we did our first computer-driven program trade in excess of $50 million. He said, "You have arrived, Willie Ray."

Will Ray Palo Alto, California [e-mail]