Literature that speculates about the future omits African-Americans. Racism and unemployment have caused this group to swell the ranks of the underclass. Thus, as a group, blacks have been written off as obsolete and useless. Most at risk for joining the underclass is the black male. Because of the way Western males are socialized to be strong and macho, and because of discrimination which does not allow black males to achieve the preferred male image, black men are dehumanized. An orderly process of socializing black youth is needed. They must be prepared for adulthood in a way that increases their self-esteem. The model for their training must be an Afrocentric one in which the elders of the community teach the youth to become responsible adults, and in which social institutions provide life sustaining support. The rite of passage known as Simba Wachanga is an appropriate model. (Author/VM)