This paper discusses the proposition that education of Black children should reflect Black culture and child-rearing practices. It is suggested that Black children need an educational system which recognizes and reflects their strengths, their abilities and their culture and also provides them with the tools necessary to survive in the dominant Anglo-American culture. The paper suggests that many Black cultural patterns have their roots in West Africa and that social isolation in America has allowed these patterns to survive. It is suggested that two of the strongest influences have been a strong religious orientation and an emphasis on feelings and interpersonal relationships. Sex role and behavior pattern socialization have been affected by both the African heritage as well as by the parents' conceptions of the realities of growing up in an Anglo-American society. An emphasis on positive self-concept and achievement motivation reflects this conception. It is suggested that the Black culture reflects a person, as opposed to an object, orientation. These cultural patterns are subsequently reflected in learning styles and thought patterns. The paper concludes that the child's cultural and social heritage and subsequent learning styles must be considered in planning effective educational practices. (BD)