This book was written by 86 students in grades 3-8 at Westridge Elementary School (Littleton, Colorado) during a summer enrichment class. The book is for anyone who wants to learn about African-American culture and heritage. Chapter 1 gives an overview of African history before American contact, the introduction of slavery into America, the road to emancipation, reconstruction, the civil rights struggles, and America today. Chapter 2 describes famous 'firsts' and heroes with featured biographies of Lucy Terry Prince, Benjamin Banneker, Leroy B. (Satchel) Paige, Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Daniel "Chappie" James, and Shirley Chisolm. Another section of the chapter contains short biographies of Estevanico Dorantez, Elizabeth Freeman, Olaudah Equiano, Norbert Rillieux, Elijah McCoy, Edmonia Lewis, Jan E. Matzeliger, Granville T. Woods, Daniel Hale Williams, Sarah B. (Madame) C. J. Walker, Charles Henry Turner, Ida B. Wells, William Christopher Handy, Carter G. Woodson, Bessie Coleman, Bessie Smith, Marian Anderson, Althea Gibson, and Wilma Rudolph. Chapter 3 discusses art, music, and dance in both Africa and the United States. Chapter 4 describes fun, food, and celebrations of African-American heritage. Chapter 5 includes eight stories common to African-American culture, a language section with words of African origin and Black English phrases, and a literature section for additional resources. The last chapter presents interviews with African-Americans who relate the importance of their culture, family traditions and values. The book contains numerous illustrations and photographs and concludes with a list of student and teacher participants and an index. (EH)