I do think the toughest blank is the second. If you pinpoint it you could solve the problem in a landslide


As African Americans determine the extent to which their labor can speak for them in shaping their identities, the novel refutes the (i) _______ of physical labor to further affirm the work ethic.

The first part of the question says this: the ethnic group you belong to along with the work you perform (basically your labor skills ) might determine your identity as a person.
However, the novel (not sure what that means but surely means something) refutes the stigma (the label attached to you, your recognition) that physical labor shapes your ethic as a worker. In other words, if you do a certain physical job this should not identify you in a certain way or the way you perform it. Stigma is the only fit.

Notice how stigma means a negative connotation

Yet the text ultimately notes how white prejudice and black intraracial class (ii) ______ often (iii) ______ advancement by even the most diligent black workers.

the word yet signals a shift. However, two things: white prejudice and intraracial class

at this point, we do need something negative because the first part configures a scenario positive but the tone is the announcement of something NOT good.

so the word is tensions inside the class and due to the prejudice

Now the third is simple: all these elements inhibit (prevent) ...........advancement by even the most diligent black workers.


Hope this helps.

Regards