I can think of no more perfect example than someone who imagines delegates to the Constitutional Convention, born in the mid 1700s were thinking in terms of "make(ing) white people feel empowered."

You might want to take a look at the Lincoln-Douglas debates there Galvinmike. There's no need to imagine what those delegates, including Lincoln were thinking. He laid out EXACTLY how empowered he thought white folks already were. Here's a piece I wrote back when the Changeling was running for president that shares his views during that time -- kinda long, but worth the read: https://lets-be-clear.blogspot.com/2012/08/lincoln-resolute-white-supremacist.html