ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the weaknesses and strengths of the African American family. It examines the effects of fathers on children's development. The book provides an analysis of grandparent caregiving within the context of a natural disaster. It examines the lives of older African Americans, their health disparities and challenges. The book explores the school-to-postsecondary pipeline measures for African American families and youth educational success. It offers a critique of the social services industry and its inability to effectively alleviate the impact of poverty on black families. The book examines the agenda for African American families regarding education, economics, and philanthropy. It explores family ethnic socialization and black identity among African American and Caribbean Blacks. The book summarizes the accomplishments and challenges, and provides empowerment strategies for the twenty-first century, with specific emphasis on the future of African American families.
