This document presents a set of action-oriented mandates developed at a conference of black national and grassroots organizations and associations to discuss ways to improve the education of black children. The mandates cover the following major issue areas: (1) students, who attend school to become intellectually, socially, and economically productive, and who have the right to the best possible education on a free and equitable basis; (2) teachers, who must maintain high standards of effective teaching to ensure that each black child is provided the opportunity to attain the skills needed to achieve excellence in education; (3) administrators, who should systematically direct their authority and influence over the actions of students, staff, faculty, and parents to the development and implementation of educational programs that shall effectuate the maximum academic growth of each black child; (4) parents, who should understand their rights and responsibilities, become involved in the schools, and take responsibility for the education of their children; (5) community groups, which should participate more effectively in educating black children, and ask the "right" questions to improve local schools and school systems; and (6) policymakers, whose ultimate authority to plan and provide for effective educational policies and programs should be directed to the goals of achieving equity and excellence for black children. Activities for implementing the mandates are suggested. Appended are a list of the sponsors of the National Conference on Educating Black Children, a list of the institutional funders, and a list of members of the working committee for this document. (BJV)