In this anthology, which ranges from essays through poetry, young African Americans express their understandings of their generation's shared experiences with racism, the educational system, and society as a whole, while affirming what it is to be Black in America. Many of the 57 selections are grounded in a moment of self-recognition, as the writer resynthesizes what has been learned in the past. Common to most is an awareness of acknowledging and accepting one's own beauty and self-worth as an African American. Many of the contributors recognize the need to forge links with the past, and most acknowledge the role of education in designing structures for the future as well. These writings reflect an urgent need for change in a society that, while more integrated than that of past generations, falls far short of being free of racism. (SLD)