This compilation of 10 reports reviews the socioeconomic status of African Americans in the United States in 1989. The following topics are discussed: (1) the National Urban League's "Parity 2000" initiative, designed to secure parity between blacks and whites by the end of the century; (2) economic status; (3) family problems; (4) childhood needs; (5) fair housing; (6) parity and political empowerment; (7) higher education; (8) the black church; (9) cultural diversity; and (10) drugs. The following federal policy recommendations are outlined: (1) improve race relations; (2) develop a viable, self-sustaining economic base in the black community; (3) expand educational programs for preschool children and elementary and secondary school students; (4) ensure health insurance coverage and access to care for the poor, the elderly, and the disadvantaged, including new strategies to combat Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS); (5) increase political empowerment through voter registration; (6) ensure adequate funding for job training and employment programs and increase the minimum wage; (7) provide affordable housing; (8) enact a comprehensive child care plan; (9) appoint judges with a record of racial fairness; and (10) enact stronger sanctions against South Africa. Brief biographies of the authors are included. Statistical data are presented on 33 tables. A chronology of events promoting black issues in 1988 and a list of 412 notes and references are appended. (FMW)