Blacks have been deprived of dignity, pride, and self-esteem by societal conditioning, a denial and lack of knowledge of the black self, and the pervasive presence of disasters and near disasters. Blacks have been victimized and stultified by society's negative attitudes towards them. These negative responses have created a profound lack of knowledge of African societies and black achievement. The daily struggle for life in the environment of the inner city does not help most blacks develop a sense of pride and dignity. Exposure to malicious influences there creates normlessness and a cycle of despair. The best solution is for responsible elders in the black community to work together with churches and social agencies to offer programs that will inform black youth about their ethnic and family heritage, and allow them to discuss the black self. Parents must also be involved in black history and black self group sessions. (PS)