In 19th-century England, mutual improvement societies developed, through which working class men attempted to educate themselves and engage in political discussion. Many were associated with groups that did not conform to the Church of England. (SK)

Discusses Tennessee's Highlander Folk School. Reports that the school helped organize labor unions and played a role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. Explains that Highlander sought to bring about southern integration. Argues that successful civic education draws out the experiences and interests of participants and nurtures respect and…

Contemporary Black communities can benefit from the self-help experiences of Blacks in Buffalo, New York, around the turn of the century. An historic examination of Black social, literary, political, and civil rights organizations indicates that education was a key element in all of their programs. (GC)

Describes self-help programs initiated by Black women between 1895 and 1925 in Tuskegee, Alabama; Hampton, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; and Baltimore, Maryland. Poor housing, health concerns, racial discrimination, inadequate schools, and the lack of economic opportunities were some of the barriers challenged by these programs. (Author/GC)

Traces the tradition of self-help in the Black community from the slave era through the contemporary civil rights movement. Contrasts the nontraditional female-headed extended Black family with that of the traditional male-headed nuclear White family. Discusses community-based self-help programs for Black families developed by the National Council…