This study deals with four aspects of the development of the black child: (1) the development of self-esteem and racial attitudes in preschool children from preschool age and over a period of time; (2) the relationship between these variables; (3) the impact of demographic factors upon these developments, and (4) the occupational and educational aspirations of the children. Data were obtained from three different groups of children, each at two points in time. The original testing was followed up in one year in the Mid-Atlantic area, and in five years with the Mississippi and Michigan samples. Data were collected in 3 different demographic areas: (1) an all black Mississippi rural town, (2) a racially mixed Michigan urban setting, and (3) a Mid-Atlantic urban, predominantly black setting. Data collection instruments included self-concept tests, racial group attitudes measures, and aspiration measures. Results of the first testing indicate that the children had positive self-esteem, were moderately out-group oriented, and were easily able to identify pictures by their racial labels. The second testing indicated that over one year the children had shown remarkable self-concept increases in the preferred direction, but their racial attitudes had remained out-group oriented. Generally, the findings indicate that black children develop more positive attitudes toward their own group over a period of time. (Author/AM)