The factors of race, politics, economics, and the social sciences provide a unique dilemma for black communication scholars. Such scholars must respond to forces which seek to suppress their work and must also seek better ways of understanding the unique characteristics of communication among blacks. Investigations in black English should seek an understanding of the black's linguistic past and present, as well as the black's language usage as it affects the quality of his children's education and his efforts to succeed in his occupation. However, much research by whites in black communication mistakenly concentrates on "street talk" and is adversely affected by two racial assumptions: first, that blacks are basically happy, sensuous people, and second, that extensive use of profanity is a distinctive characteristic of all black communication. Therefore, although communication studies by whites can help blacks gain a better understanding of themselves, they do little to contribute to their struggle for liberation. Black scholars' research offers greater promise. (RN)