ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book focuses on African-American men begins with the assumption that culture, oppression, and gender are the major themes we must understand to promote the positive development of young, African-American men. However, the salience and character of these themes varies depending on context. It also focuses on urban ecologies because they have the largest concentration of Black men, and it is where most of the contributors have done their work. The book discusses three recurring themes among the contributors-culture, oppression and gender. It examines gender in an African cultural context and highlights traditional rites of passage training. The book describes the basic, empirical research that can help establish a philosophical, theoretical and empirical foundation for African-American enculturation. It also discusses "Edutainment" approach to cultural socialization illustrates how philosophical and cultural ideas can make the transition from abstractions to engaging activities in manhood development.
