This collection of six commentaries represents the National Urban League's perspective on public policies needed to promote the interests of black Americans. Each commentary focuses on the present condition of blacks, details the impact of recent policy intiatives, and delineate's the League's proposals for improvement. "Black Americans and Public Policy" (D. G. Glasgow) urges policymakers not to use the Federal budget deficit as an excuse to avoid funding domestic programs that would improve the socioeconomic status of blacks. "Civil Rights and Social Justice" (R. McAlpine, B. J. Tidwell, and M. L. Jackson) recommends voting, education, employment, and housing policies that would counteract the deleterious reversals of the Reagan era. "Employment and Training: Toward the Year 2000" (B. C. Watson, V. Austin, and J. Reed) makes recommendations for improving the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), employment, and the national economy. "Education: In Search of Equity and Excellence" (D. J. Jones, E. W. Chunn, and S. G. Robinson) argues that the Federal Government has the primary responsibility for providing programs that meet the educational needs of blacks. "Welfare Reform: An Antipoverty Strategy" (S. Bergeron, J. Dixon, and D. G. Glasgow) recommends the development of a national antipoverty program based on reform of the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. "Black Economic Development: Still on the Margin" (B. J. Tidwell, K. V. Hill, and L. B. Malone) suggests reforms in minority business support, block grants, urban development grants, and enterprise zones. Each commentary includes a list of references. (FMW)