Scholars examine the Afro-American past to understand the position that black people have occupied in U.S. society, their efforts to cope with their status, and their successes and failures in pursuing full equality. The four major themes of Afro-American history and the transformations associated with them are: (1)"Africa to America" (Africans to Afro-Americans); (2)"Slavery to Freedom" (slaves to agricultural workers); (3)"Countryside to City" (agricultural workers to industrial laborers); and (4)"Segregation to Civil Rights" (outsiders to first-class citizens). These four themes offer a conceptual framework for organizing the Afro-American experience thematically and chronologically and for incorporating it in the trajectory of U.S. history. The people, movements, organizations, political and social events, and legislation associated with these themes are discussed in depth. Each of the four sections is supported by extensive notes, and a bibliography of 14 reference guides is included. (JB)