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[[4 images - scenes from the convention]] Continued from page 179 The examination of Black America contained in these pages has shown the dimensions of its problems. But it has also shown that some advances in securing parity have been made—albeit not enough—and there are road markers to indicate the distance that has been traveled. Dr. Alvin J. Schexnider in the paper, "Blacks in the Military," points out that a large number of black men and women are fashioning successful careers in a truly integrated military, and that while there is still disparity in the ranks of officers, some 5% of the Army's generals are black. There are many graying veterans of World War Two and even Korea who can recall when segregation was a way of life in the military and black officers, of any rank, were rare indeed. Dr. Mary F. Berry writing on "Blacks in Predominantly White Institutions of Higher Learning," describes and analyzes the difficulties that black students and faculty members face on the campuses of such institutions. This is a matter of major concern. But it is also important to note, as Dr. Berry does, that black college enrollment has grown tremendously over the past few years and the numbers of black professors and instructors have increased. The paper authored by Dr. Lenneal J. Henderson, "Black Business Development and Public Policy," deals in detail with the difficulties black business people are facing in their efforts to survive in an ailing economy. At the same time, he reports that there are institutions within the black community that are devoting their considerable energies and talents to the building of a stronger black business community. The fact is that many blacks are continuing to succeed against the odds. But all too many are not. To continue to exclude them from mainstream robs America of human resources that could make it even stronger, even more secure. Dr. Charles V. Hamilton expressed the hope of a large number of black Americans when, at the conclusion of his paper "On Politics and Voting: Messages and Meanings," he said: "Perhaps the felt experiences of whites will eventually lead them to perceive the stark reality so overwhelmingly experienced by blacks. And perhaps many white Americans will come to understand their interests as economically and politically compatible with those of many black Americans." This "State of Black America-1983" will conclude with recommendations from the National Urban League. Before that, however, one final word. An enormous amount of energy, research, skill and commitment have gone into the preparation of the various papers contained in this publication. We believe that they make a major contribution in illuminating the facts about Black America that need to be known by all of us. From them, we take fresh resolve to continue to struggle to obtain parity for all Americans. RECOMMENDATIONS (State of Black America—1983) EMPLOYMENT AND THE ECONOMY 1. A Universal Employment and Training System should be established that would guarantee the unemployed productive work and the skills training to get and hold a job. Such a system should be a joint public-private effort. It would 180
