The negative effects of poverty, alienation, and racism influence the lives of black children most heavily. This report covering Michigan presents information and recommendations concerning the continuing decline in the quality of life for black children. It is the culmination of a series of activities including forums, symposia, and conferences…

Industrial change and the restructuring of employment opportunity in the nation's largest cities have created a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of resident workers. The "upskilling" of jobs must be met by the "upschooling" of the labor force through new partnerships among public schools and higher education…

The educational outlook for children of school age in low-income minority neighborhoods of New York City is discussed, drawing primarily on the researcher's observations in a field study in Central Harlem. The decline the neighborhoods have undergone is summarized; and the role of drugs, especially crack, is discussed. Some opinions of residents…

The lives of poor single mothers and their children are explored, first grounding the present situation historically and pointing out their "other" status when examined against normal motherhood and family images. The first two chapters discuss the historical images of childhood and the family as they have developed in Western civilization. Part 2…

A study of inner-city youth in San Francisco (California) shows that behavior and street ideology once associated exclusively with gangs have now become the world view of a large segment of inner-city young people, especially males. Inner-city young people who aspire to material success do not see a realistic connection between public education…

Claims that hazardous waste facilities are more likely to be located in areas with higher than average proportions of minorities and examines the issue using census-level data from a national study. No consistent statistical evidence is found for such claims, although previous claims are shown to be based on larger areas. (SLD)

This report assesses the extent of homelessness in Maryland. Data are provided in the following areas: (1) the number of homeless people; (2) causes of homelessness; (3) distribution of the homeless and characteristics of those sheltered; (4) shelter beds available; (5) what is needed to address the problems of homelessness; (6) the extent of the…

The lives and places in society of urban youth at risk of dropping out of the Los Angeles (California) Unified School District schools are explored through interviews of adolescents whom the author met when doing field work in Los Angeles County. Data come from interviews conducted in the course of the 1991 Drug Use Forecasting Study (DUF) and the…

This report to Mayor Edward Koch examines the problems facing New York, New York, and suggests long-range solutions. Information was gathered from experts from within and outside city government, invitational hearings, and commissioned studies in areas of special concern. The Commission found that the city's economy had recovered from the fiscal…