This dissertation is a historical study of the teacher labor force with a particular focus on race. It sought to explore changes in the Black teacher labor market after desegregation through the examination of factors related to Black college graduates becoming teachers; Black teachers' migration patterns during the final years of integration (1965 to 1970); and experiences of Black teachers in education. It utilized U.S. Census microdata from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series to address the first two topics listed. Probit regressions were used to determine the probability of Black and White college graduates becoming teachers. IPUMS was also used to conduct a descriptive analysis of Black teacher migration out of the South between 1965 and 1970. Oral histories were conducted to ascertain Black teachers' experiences. In addition to the statistical and oral history approach described above, I utilized a variety of primary sources. This dissertation found that Black college graduates between the ages of 22 and 30 showed a declining propensity toward becoming a teacher between 1970 and 1990 compared entering all other professions. Regional and Census year interactions suggest that teacher competency and licensure tests in 1990 might have had a negative effect on the Southern Black teacher labor force. In the combined-race Black and White college graduate analysis, Black college graduates had a higher probability of becoming teachers than White college graduates. This suggests that the shortage of Black teachers is due to an insufficient supply of Black college graduates compared to White college graduates. This dissertation also found that Black teacher migration out of the South between 1965 and 1970 contributed to 12 percent of the total North and West Black teacher labor force in 1970. Older Black oral history participants did not plan on becoming teachers when they were college student. Younger Black oral history participants entered the profession of teaching with the intention of working towards social justice. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]