This study considers the present condition of African-Americans and makes projections for the year 2000, emphasizing the relative conditions of European-Americans and African-Americans, and considering the public and private policy implications of these projections. Section 1, an overview of the subject, covers the following topics: (1) "The Current Crisis of the United States"; (2) "The Current Condition of African-Americans"; (3) "The Core Future"; (4) "The Budget and Closing the Gap"; (5) "Policies to Avert Disaster"; and (6) "Methodology and Contents." Section 2, "The Black Class Structure," covers the following topics: (1) "Basic Characteristics of the Black Underclass and the Black Middle Class"; and (2) "Policy Implications." Section 3, "The Special Question of Black Children," covers the following topics: (1) "The Present Condition and Outlook of Black Children"; and (2) "Policy Options Under Various Scenarios." Section 4, "African-Americans in Science, Engineering, and Technology," covers the following topics: (1) "The Present"; and (2) "The Future: Policy Concerns." Section 5, "Racism," covers the following topics: (1) "Racist Sentiment"; (2) "Racist Practice"; and (3) "Conclusion." Five scenarios based on patterns of economic and social development for the future are considered. Section 6 examines the future of African Americans if there were a continuation of current conditions. Section 7 examines their future if there were economic and social recovery and expansion. Section 8 examines their future if there were major positive social and economic transformation. Section 9 examines their future if there were economic and social decline. Section 10 examines their future if there were economic and social collapse. For each particular scenario for the future of African-Americans, covered in sections 6 to 10, the following topics are covered: (1) "Employment and Economic Development"; (2) "Health"; (3) "Education"; (4) "Community and Family Life"; (5) "Values"; and (6) "Political Participation." Section 11, "Policies to Avert Disaster," covers the following topics: (1) "Employment and Economic Development"; (2) "Health"; (3) "Education"; (4) "Community and Family Life"; (5) "Values"; and (6) "Political Participation." Methodology, forecasts, and cross-impact analysis data are appended. Included in the appendixes are 21 tables and 31 figures. A bibliography with 104 references is included. (JS)