This is a must read book for anyone interested in theareas of racial theory and racial relations, multiculturaland polarized religions, and the making of African personalityand culture. In keeping with earlier volumes inthe series, it emphasizes the cross-fertilization of Africaand the world. In "Binga Bank: Th e Development of the Black Metropolis"Beth Johnson gives an historic look at theopening of the Binga Bank, its founder, and how thebank helped stimulate the black metropolis in Chicago."Black on the Block" takes a look at life in the communityof North Kenwood-Oakland, California. Mark Christiandescribes what it is like to be a member in the Africandiaspora in the United States and United Kingdom.In the racial theory and racial relations area, ClarenceTally's "The Race' Concept and Racial Structure" arguesthat the study of race has become dominated by the ideathat race is socially constructed. Reiland Rabaka analyzesdiscourse on the process of awarding reparationsto people of African origin. Paula A. Moore explains whypeople of African descent with mental health problemsdo not receive treatment. "Patriot Day" focuses on the emergence and growthof Islam in America and its struggle to connect withAmerica's cultural heritage. "Edward Wilmot Blydenand the African Personality," by James Conyers, reviewsBlyden's ideas and beliefs challenging the Europeanworldview. "Cultural Helix Th eory" examines the mostfundamental component of African culture, language andhow it aff ects the black community. "Black in the Saddle"by Demetrius W. Pearson chronicles the professionaland personal experiences of Willie Thomas, an AfricanAmerican cowboy. James L. Conyers, Jr., is university professor of African Americanstudies, director of the African American studies program,and director of the Center for the Study of African AmericanCulture at the University of Houston. He is also the editor ofLaw, Culture, and Africana Studies and Afrocentric Traditions(available from Transaction).