In this important analysis of the status of black Americans since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Professor Alphonso Pinkney refutes the popular neoconservative stance that race is no longer a major factor in the efforts of black Americans to achieve socioeconomic parity. Instead, Professor Pinkney argues, race continues to be an ever-present factor in American life. He bases his argument on detailed analysis of data that support his discussion of income and unemployment, the black middle class, the growing underclass, and educational issues such as open admissions, busing, and affirmative action.