What does it mean to be gleamed like pearls?
a. very thin (as he never ate much, his arms were as thin as a rake)
b. very thin (this path is as thin as a rail)
c. very red (these fresh tomatoes are as red and shiny as rubies)
d. shining very brightly (amazed by the sight of the famous singer, the little children's eyes gleamed like pearls)

the african society basically suffered the consequences of colonization and apartheid directly attacking the black people, first, during the colonialism and its main idea which which "white people" had better rights, affecting   them principally in the right to establish black people in their territories, access to quality education and health services and took away any civil right even to the black people to feel they have the same opportunities as the settlers.