ABSTRACT
There can be little debate over the need to enhance the life chances of African-Americans, especially those living in poor urban communities. Thus, although it is clear that cultural racism (Jones, 1989) continues to shape the opportunity structure for African-Americans, it is also apparent that some of their own thoughts and behaviors hamper movement toward well-being and liberation. African-American men, especially these from low-income backgrounds, occupy a unique position in this scenario. Myopic views of African-American manhood force them to constantly and consistently reaffirm their humanity to themselves and others, while laboring to carry out their various social roles. Most of the work contained herein proceeded from psychological perspective-exploring issues of culture and race as they impact on the cognitive, emotional and behavioral characteristics of African-American boys and men. It was implied that pathways to desirable outcomes for African-American men must be informed by cultural and racial considerations.
