Assessing the economic progress of blacks in the United States during the last decade and a half, this special report is divided into eight chapters. Chapter I provides an overview of the report noting the overall conclusion that the economic position of blacks (as well as that of other racial minority groups and of poor whites) is not likely to change much through the rest of the decade if national economic policy remains on its present course. In chapter II, the main contours of economic growth are traced--strong expansion during the 1960s and relative stagnation since. Trends in the black labor force, employment, and unemployment in recent years are analyzed in chapter III. The changing occupational and industry structure of black employment is examined in chapter IV. Chapter V appraises the impact of the Equal Employment Opportunity program on the job gains of blacks. Chapter VI discusses black employment in the public sector. The changing position of blacks with the distribution of income during the last decade and a half is discussed in chapter VII. Finally, the long-term outlook for income and employment is appraised in chapter VIII. Appendix tables illustrate the following information: civilian labor force participation rates for persons sixteen years and over by color, sex, and age (annual averages, 1959-74); civilian labor force by color, sex, and age (1959-75); employment by color, sex, and age (1959-75); and unemployment rates by color, sex, and age (1959-75). (JH)