ABSTRACT

This discussion draws on different sources of evidence in support of a conclusion that is simultaneously obvious and elusive. The personal and professional prospects of anyone living in an advanced industrialized society are enhanced by literacy, but access to literacy differs for many reasons in different communities throughout the world. Our collective focus on literacy among African Americans amplifies this fact. Each contribution to this volume confirms, either directly or implicitly, that African Americans have yet to attain full educational equality. Our collective efforts seek to awaken all Americans from the slumber of Dr. King’s deferred dream to the dawn of a new era in which we no longer can point to race-based discrepancies in literacy, college admissions, or professional prospects that unfairly discriminate against anyone.