Contends that the question of what Black Americans call themselves is a nonissue that diverts attention from larger problems without contributing to their solution. Traces widespread crime, poverty, educational failure, and institutional breakdown to the erosion of Black family and community values, and urges the reversal of this trend. (AF)

Discusses the controversy revolving around the naming of Black Americans from three diametrically opposing standpoints: (1) etymological/linguistic; (2) political; and (3) philosophical/nationalistic. Suggests that differences in the naming of a people experiencing self-discovery should not be construed to indicate lack of Black unity, and that…

Explores the interpersonal and intellectual relationship between Booker T. Washington and Robert Ezra Park, a White sociologist who travelled, worked, and wrote with Washington before becoming well known as an expert on race relations. Focuses on their voyage to Europe which resulted in the publication of Washington's "The Man Farthest…

The significance of race is increasing, especially for middle class blacks who, because of school desegregation, affirmative action, and other integration programs are coming into direct contact with whites for the first time for extended interaction. (Author/AM)

In response to criticism, the author maintains his assertion that class is of growing importance and race is of decreasing significance in determining blacks' chances in life. (Author/AM)

Presents some observations on what the recent attacks on affirmative action, the O. J. Simpson trial, and the Million Man March say about racism in America. In particular, the author assesses the Million Man March in terms of black leadership and its influence in helping black men to become more involved in constructive community service. (GR)

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

The history of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans of the National Research Council is described. Its assignments are: (1) to collect data describing the changing position of blacks in America since 1940; (2) to describe the cultural context of those changes; and (3) to explore consequences of initiatives to ameliorate the position of…

In preparation for a National Research Council study updating Gunnar Myrdal's 1944 study, "An American Dilemma," the article discusses the following: (1) history and thrust of the original work; (2) effect of the type of questions to be raised; (3) effect of approach on results; (4) necessity for new view of the gap between the races.…

The article examines: (1) the relationship between group membership and the production of knowledge; (2) comparative versus non-comparative research; and (3) the structure of data interpretation for Afro-Americans versus Euro-Americans. At issue is the lack of blacks involved in the National Research Council's study of blacks. (PS)

The article presents in dialogue form a composite of a black scholar's critical observations regarding the National Research Council's study on the status of black Americans. Points discussed include the following: (1) implications for public policy; (2) white dominance; (3) committee selection process; and (4) lack of black scholarly input and…

Discusses use of the term "African-American" in the context of relationships among country of origin, identification with that country, and the American experience. Finds no association between name identification and current Black social movements. Suggests that the issue should not overshadow continued effort to gain economic stability…

The controversy surrounding the study by the Committee on the Status of Black Americans requires discussion of: (1) the recent history of race relations research; (2) the role of the study's director; and (3) composition of the controlling committee. Since perspectives of researchers affect study outcomes, diversity in research leadership is a…

Concurs with a previous article that black youths are institutionally, culturally, and interpersonally disconnected, disagreeing with the article's contention that black families are prioritizing sports over schooling as a way out of disadvantaged circumstances and suggesting that the reverse is true. Notes the importance of black involvement in…

Presents statistical data showing that women and children constitute 75 percent of the nation's poor. Asserts that women and minorities are concentrated in the secondary welfare system and secondary labor market, and discusses implications for Black women who are "doubly disadvantaged." (ML)