Presents the results of a survey of readers' opinions about African Americans who made the greatest contributions to American society during the 20th century. Martin Luther King, Jr., received the most votes by a large margin, followed by Thurgood Marshall, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Malcolm X. Discusses survey results by various categories. (SM)

Discusses Alain Locke's 1925 text, "The New Negro," which offered the world the first comprehensive look at black literary and cultural achievements as seen through the eyes of African Americans, and which launched the Harlem Renaissance. Compares Locke with W.E.B. Du Bois and notes that Locke's contributors were nearly anyone who had…

Presents a directory of some of the leading black intellectuals of the 20th century who are considered significant contributors to American literature, music, and the arts. A brief biographical sketch and career highlights are provided for each entry. (GR)

The African American literary tradition was really created to demonstrate that persons of African descent were able to create literature. Exploring the history of African American literature shows the continuing tension between private expression through literature and the political uses made of black literature. (SLD)

Presents a speech by Malcolm X delivered at Harvard College in March 1964. Malcolm X gives his views of the future of black community politics and presents his notion that the black vote is central to American politics. (GLR)

Suggests that acting white and ignorant is the silent killer of educational aspirations for urban blacks, comparing current public figures that appear ridiculous and ignorant (gangster rappers) to Stepin Fetchit of the 1950s. Nineteenth-century blacks never elevated ignorance or vulgarity as aspects of liberation. It is important to determine how…

Discusses whether Black History Month effectively introduces the world to the achievements of American blacks or is primarily a marketing device for selling books and making African Americans feel good. Responses are provided from several African-American history professors. (GR)

Gives black scholar Thomas Sowell's personal account of his journey from Howard University, a historically black college that provided him with what he perceived to be a mediocre education, to Harvard University, which challenged him intellectually and socially. He attended Columbia University to study for his master's degree, then moved on to…

This chronology details major steps in the history of African Americans in higher education. The time line begins with the 1763 birth of the first African American to study at Princeton and marks the establishment of historically black colleges and universities as highlights. Notable African American educators are listed. (SLD)

Provides comments from several black scholars on the importance of W. E. B. Du Bois's "The Philadelphia Negro" for today. They reply to the following questions: why is "The Philadelphia Negro" part of the canon of black literature? and what does it say today of relevance to blacks and the nation as a whole? (GR)

This collection of articles focuses on such topics as the importance of college education among black business leaders; ranking of black colleges; black student recruitment; black scholars and African American publishing; Blacks in the life sciences; segregation in college sports; black enrollments; affirmative action; and differences in student…

Presents statistics on the progress of African Americans in U.S. institutions of higher education, discussing the following: the black/white higher-education equality issue, statistics measuring the state of racial inequality, African-American doctoral degrees at an all-time high, the pay scale of faculty at black colleges and universities, and…

Identifies those African Americans currently holding endowed chairs in American universities. The article also provides some facts about African Americans, endowed chairs, and schools in which black-held endowed chairs predominate. (GLR)

Profiles a group of contemporary black feminist scholars to highlight the diverse nature of black feminist theory and scholarship. The women include Hazel Carby, Yale University; Cathy Cohen, Yale University; Angela Davis, University of California Santa Cruz; Paula Giddings, Duke University; bell hooks, City College of New York; Joy James, Brown…

Discusses the nationwide impact of Harvard University president Lawrence Summers' controversial words on affirmative action and the impact of this controversy on Harvard's continuing ability to attract the best African American students and academics. Explains that the fundamental issue is of institutional legitimacy. (SM)