The problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line. Du Bois's prophetic statement, made at the beginning of the century, is as true today at the dawn of the 21st century. Presenting fresh, contemporary perspectives on a centuries-old problem, the contributors to this volume, including top scholars in sociology and political science, show that race-politics remains a part of the new millennium despite past efforts to erase discriminatory practices. From an initial reconsideration of the DuBois-Washington debate to Derrick Bell's essay on the pitfalls of doing good, the book illustrates that the debate about race remains a firm part of our social fabric, begging for a solution to change old and new feelings about race in the United States.

Grappling with enduring issues of race and identifying new racial realities, the volume examines the white backlash to affirmative action, the organizational structure of affirmative action, the impact of social networks on occupational mobility, upward mobility and minority neighborhoods, and inner-city entrepreneurship. America's changing configuration to a multi-ethnic, multi-racial population is considered in a chapter speculating on the impact for African Americans. In conclusion, the book suggests ways to take positive action.

Sadly, efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination have clearly not led to racial equality or a colorblind society. Rather, African Americans have become increasingly class-polarized since the civil rights era as the persistent racialization of American society has perpetuated the wage gap between Blacks and Whites, leading to increased rates of unemployment and underemployment among African Americans. The significant minority of Black families historically headed by single mothers became a statistical majority during the twentieth century, and the tension in the gender relations of Black men and women became a more prominent topic of debate. This compelling and timely collection examines contemporary family and workforce patterns and how they are continuing to shape the quality of life for African Americans across the United States.

Sadly, efforts to end racial segregation and discrimination have clearly not led to racial equality or a colorblind society. Rather, African Americans have become increasingly class-polarized since the civil rights era as the persistent racialization of American society has perpetuated the wage gap between Blacks and Whites, leading to increased rates of unemployment and underemployment among African Americans. The significant minority of Black families historically headed by single mothers became a statistical majority during the twentieth century, and the tension in the gender relations of Black men and women became a more prominent topic of debate. This compelling and timely collection examines contemporary family and workforce patterns and how they are continuing to shape the quality of life for African Americans across the United States.