Presents a literature review on the achievement problems of Black students, with particular emphasis on the problems of high-achieving Black students, the effects of peer pressure on achievement, and the phenomenon of acting "white" or "raceless." Offers recommendations for educators, parents, community leaders, and others interested in reversing…

This article describes activities of the Homeland Neighborhood Cultural Center (Long Beach, California) which is located in the most culturally diverse section of the city and provides accessible artistic outlets for individuals and groups traditionally excluded from art establishments. Program development, staff, activities, and relationship to…

Describes the history of the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Dance Company, known as PHILADANCO, founded in the early 1970s by Joan Myers Brown at her Philadelphia School of Dance. PHILADANCO has sought to discover and train a corps of local Black dancers to build a strong dance company and important cultural institution. (AF)

Criticizes the development of current Federal policy for dealing with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic based on the individual responsibility of minority group victims. Argues that AIDS should be combatted through a materialist-realist perspective that acknowledges the influence of social and environmental pressures. (FMW)

Maintains that Switzerland's national spirit lies in cultural and linguistic diversity. Proposes a "Ten Commandments of Multilingualism" for Swiss citizens who share this core principle of national identity. Concludes that Swiss should be happy and proud to have a nation based on cultural diversity. (CFR)

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) increasingly is being used to study and address environmental justice. This article presents the results of a cross-site case study of four CBPR partnerships in the United States that researched environmental health problems and worked to educate legislators and promote relevant public policy. The…

Reports on a study to determine how socioeconomic status influences adolescent premarital pregnancy. Finds that African Americans' risk of pregnancy is heightened by both contraceptive behavior and exposure to sexual intercourse. Also finds that the mother's educational level is a powerful inhibitor of pregnancy for both African Americans and…

This research examines a community struggling to define the type of education needed for its children. After years of being a minority culture in a much larger school district, a small group of individuals in the community petitioned the state to begin a new school district. Community members indicated a desire for an emphasis on vocational skills…

A cooperative effort in Chester, Pennsylvania, involves religious leaders, school district personnel, and college and university administrators with the goal of increasing minority college enrollment. The task force has developed a newsletter, presentations to high school students, information on admissions and financial aid for parents and…

Discusses Milwaukee's (Wisconsin) project for school choice. Describes the program of public funding for private schools, vouchers, and parent-run schools for African-American and Hispanic students. Cites autonomy, small class size, and values instruction as advantages of the small private schools. Reports graduation rates are higher and reading…