Florida's community college system is uniquely positioned to work toward the fulfillment of the goal of equitable representation of black students in the state's system of higher education. At present, efforts are falling far short of that goal. While blacks represented 18.7% of the 15-24 year olds in the state in 1988, they earned only 4.8% of the associate degrees awarded by community colleges and 4% of the baccalaureate degrees awarded by the State University System that year. In order to promote college attendance, graduation, and transfer, the following steps should be taken: (1) academically promising students should be identified in middle school and guided toward the college preparatory track; (2) children from district middle and high schools should be brought to the college campus for cultural and sporting events, career and college fairs, and other activities; (3) financial aid resources should be developed to ensure that talented students from impoverished families are aware of funding options, can complete the application, and receive needed financial support; (4) black community leaders should be asked to assist in mentoring students and recruiting minorities for faculty and administration positions; (5) entering freshmen should be given an intensive orientation to support services; (6) a black student union or black advisory committee should be formed; and (7) students who show academic potential should be directed toward the college transfer tracks. (WJT)