ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents extensive information about African American men's quality of life as well as life chances. It notes that educational and occupational statistics only begin to hint at the dire situation facing many African American men. This is particularly so in America's inner cities, where finishing high school is not always the norm for poor, young Black males. The book examines Black women's experiences in interracial intimate relationships. It describes a series of interviews with a wide range of heterosexual Black women who are currently or have recently been involved in a long-term, interracial intimate relationship. The book describes the general current conditions (e.g., estimates for life expectancy) for African Americans and, in particular, Black women. This chapter also includes a discussion of the unique odds Black women have faced both historically and today.
