This book is compiled from revised versions of papers presented at the Black College Conference, held at Harvard University in 1976. The papers present a comprehensive analysis of what black colleges have done for themselves and for the nation and define the purposes and goals of education from the perspective of a black minority that is preparing young people for survival in a society dominated by a white majority. The book is divided into three sections: (1) the history and purpose of black colleges; (2) their administration, financing, and governance; and (3) teaching and learning in black colleges. Among the specific topics that are addressed are: (1) the historical and socio-ethical roles and responsibilities of the black colleges and their graduates; (2) the priorities of presidents of black colleges; (3) black colleges of the North; (4) the board of trustees and the black college; (5) interactions between black college faculty and their students; (6) teaching and learning in the social sciences, English, and the humanities; and (7) the performance of black students in the sciences at Spelman College, Atlanta, Georgia. (Author/AM)