Describes the Urban League's Education Initiative, a program to improve the education of Black urban public school students. Program components are the following: (1) involvement of black parents, community groups, and business leaders; (2) focus on specific, measurable goals; (3) provision of direct services to students and parents; and (4) a…

During the 1970s, not only has the Black unemployment rate never returned to the 6.4 percent rate of 1969; it has never even dropped to the high 8.2 percent rate with which the decade began. Unemployment and inflation have plagued the entire country for a decade, but have been especially devastating for the Black population. (Author/GC)

Many issues remain unresolved when considering whether the welfare system perpetuates the poverty of its recipients. The debate often focuses on Blacks. No one considers factors such as the self-defined needs of the target population. Cuts in payment programs may be of some value but are not a panacea. (VM)

Describes the crucial role of the presidents of Black colleges in furthering educational equity and educational quality. Fundamental areas of concern are the following: (1) curriculum development; (2) financial stability; and (3) community involvement. (FMW)

Although a cursory look at race relations in the United States gives the impression that all is well, five articles are introduced that address racism in the United States from a variety of perspectives and demonstrate a new "symbolic" racism and a new politics of race emphasizing racial differences. (SLD)

Notes that ethnicity is important to American blacks because it allows for an honest and fair appraisal of social, economic, and political circumstances and the creation of policies and programs that can best serve the needs of a heterogeneous community. (Author/AM)

Argues that "those blacks with college degrees not only are more employable but they are also more employed." Cites evidence that the higher the level of education, the greater the gain in income, that incomes increase most for those with the most education, and that blacks do best financially when they are highly educated. (Author/JM)

Examines the major assumptions on which parental involvement in schools are based, beginning with Project Head Start. Emphasizes the importance of the ecological perspective which balances parental empowerment and parental education, and generates policies, programs and research goals that apply directly to the lives of Black families. (FMW)

The economic decline in 1974-76 has had a devastating impact, not only on the employment status of black and white workers, but on their family stability as well. Although the American economy is said to be experiencing some recovery no such recovery has reached the black community. (Author/AM)

Describes Black participation in the history, governance, and activities of the United Automobile Workers Union. Calls for organized labor in general to support more actively equal employment for Blacks and to make a greater commitment to economic equality and progress. (GC)

As structural changes occur in the U.S. industrial base and high technology takes over, Black Americans stand to lose the social and economic gains of the past two decades. Black institutions must respond to the challenge of using technology to promote Black socioeconomic development. (GC)

The causes of homicides committed against Blacks by Blacks are examined. Major preventive measures are said to be equal opportunity, better jobs, reduction of racial discrimination, elimination of organized crime, removal of drugs from community, and better schools. (JCD)

Examines Black health status from the slavery period to the present, discusses health status disparities between Blacks and Whites in the areas of life expectancy and infant mortality, and considers socioeconomic factors affecting Black health status. (Author/GC)

The Pittsburgh Urban League reviews a study of the racial composition of the hospital labor force in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Presents data on the number of employees by race in each job category, the number of physicians by race and medical staff category, and the annual number of patient admissions by race. (GC)

Although the national Black unemployment rate has been improving, it has not matched gains made by the White population, and in metropolitan areas the Black unemployment rate is actually rising. Trends among the White population cannot be used to justify discontinuance of programs aimed at ameliorating unemployment among Blacks. (Author/RLV)