Federal City College (FCC) in Washington, D.C., the youngest land-grant college in the nation, had an auspicious beginning. It was generously endowed, enthusiastically received, enjoyed enlightened leadership, a dedicated faculty, an open admission policy, and an innovative curriculum in which most courses were interdisciplinary, problem-oriented and related to human and urban needs. The students, mostly freshmen, are predominantly black Washingtonians. The curriculum, however, has not served the students well and has required revision; many facilities are not yet fully operative; and the faculty is, at times, irresponsible and uncooperative in implementing the ex"erimental academic program. Race has been the greatest problem and moderates have passively allowed black separatists and their white supporters to dominate the faculty. Three solutions are (1) to remain open and responsive to the city and its racial frustrations (2) to use reason not dogma within the college (3) to learn from the cries for black dignity to give attention to the enormous contributions of black men throughout history. If it can survive the birth pains of divisiveness, FCC should become a major resource center (and catalyst for other universities) for black studies. (JS)