Fifteen papers examine the cultural context and history of African Americans in higher education research and practice. Papers are grouped in three parts: African American culture in higher education research; African American higher education research issues and paradigms; and African American culture and higher education policy and practice. Following an introduction by the editor and an overview by Reginald Wilson, the papers are: (1) "Black to Africa: Some Research Paradigms Reflecting a Black World View" (Raymond A. Winbush); (2) "From Africa to America: The Relationship between Culture and Experience" (Mia D. Alexander-Snow); (3) "African American Students and Self-Concept Development: Integrating Cultural Influences into Research and Practice" (Tamela M. Heath); (4)"Historical Origins of Change: Implications for African Americans in Higher Education" (Carolyn J. Thompson); (5) "And Who Shall Control Their Minds?: Race Consciousness and Collective Commitments among African American Students" (Walter R. Allen); (6) "The College Experience: A Conceptual Framework to Consider for Enhancing Students' Educational Gains" (Lemuel W. Watson); (7) "'Am I Black Enuf fo Ya?' Black Student Diversity: Issues of Identity and Community" (Lori S. White); (8) "Self-Segregation: An Oxymoron in Black and White" (Sybril M. Bennett); (9) "Doing What Comes Unnaturally: Increasing African American Faculty Presence in Predominantly White Colleges and Universities" (William B. Harvey); (10) "Cultural Capital and the Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Educational Reproduction" (James Earl Davis); (11) "Policy, Practice, and Performance: Strategies to Foster the Meaningful Involvement of African Americans in Higher Education Decision-Making Processes" (Wynetta Y. Lee); (12) "The Relationship between Evaluation Effort and Institutional Culture: Mixing Oil and Water?" (Bruce Anthony Jones); (13) "African Americans and College Choice: Cultural Considerations and Policy Implications" (Kassie Freeman); (14) "Higher Education and Teacher Preparation: Meeting the Challenges and Demands for Academic Success of Urban Youth" (Clancie M. Wilson); and (15) "Higher Education Policies and Professional Education in American Black Colleges" (Beverly Lindsay). (Individual chapters contain references.) (DB)