ACPL Online Book Club discussion

How does the black press link the desegregation of southern schools and the launch of Sputnik? What do you think is the reason behind doing so?
Question issued by the publisher

The black press pointed out the Russians provided the best education they could to all their citizens, while the United Stated denied education to some of its citizens because of race. As a result, minds and teaching resources were being wasted, and the United States fell behind the Russians in the technology needed to launch missiles, develop warheads, and explore space.

My guess is the editors at black newspapers knew they could not shame people into shedding prejudice, but they could scare and embarrass white people with the prospect of losing to the Russians and being threatened militarily by their superior technology. They could then recommend better education for all as a means to counter the threat.