Describes health and nutritional practices and beliefs among Black Americans, from slavery to the present. Links such practices and beliefs to social, political, and ideological factors. (GC)

Contends that the question of what Black Americans call themselves is a nonissue that diverts attention from larger problems without contributing to their solution. Traces widespread crime, poverty, educational failure, and institutional breakdown to the erosion of Black family and community values, and urges the reversal of this trend. (AF)

Argues that the African American community is primarily responsible for the education of Black students. Stresses that the two most important elements in the educational process are the academic/college preparatory curriculum, and the socialization process. (FMW)

The construction of hypotheses concerning blacks in America requires an understanding of two enduring influences on collective black experience: (1) whites' treatment of blacks as slaves and (2) West African culture that helped to shape black adaptation to the conditions engendered by slavery. White racist attitudes and the psychological distance…

Debate concerning "African-American" as a better racial/ethnic designator than "Black" has become a major public issue. While proponents of the term argue that it gives Blacks a land and culture to mark their identity and experience, others consider the question irrelevant to the solution of serious socioeconomic problems. (AF)