There is a crisis in the black family; at its core is the inextricable linkage of low educational achievement, high unemployment levels, and limited opportunities for access to stable jobs at adequate wages. This report is directed at an examination of the causes and the consequences of this essentially economic crisis, providing a brief historical overview of major social and economic trends affecting black families in New York State. The following major categories define the underlying trends in New York: (1) poverty; (2) low income; (3) unemployment; (4) lack of family formation because of limited economic options; and (5) inadequate human services in areas such as education, health care, child care, foster care, and housing. Each of these is explored in detail. Data on the following are provided: (1) causes of the crisis; (2) blacks in the labor market; (3) the labor market and family heads; (4) occupations, industries, and geographic location; and (5) the labor market status of household heads. Black families face discrimination daily. General recommendations are made as are recommendations in the following areas: (1) welfare reform; (2) incentives for businesses to provide jobs; (3) public sector job incentives; (4) training and education; (5) income; (6) affirmative action; (7) human services; (8) foster care; (9) child care; (10) housing; (11) programs to address crime related behaviors; and (12) community based initiatives. Statistical data are included in an appendix. Data are presented on 20 tables. A six-page list of references is included. (BJV)