A cooperative presentation of the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Extension Division and the Missouri Department of Community Affairs, this project was designed as a reference for discussion groups of all types, to give perspective and direction in the search for an understanding of the complex situations which contribute to the crisis in American cities. The six papers presented include background information on specific problems and issues, possible alternatives, and theories on the results of different courses of action, and are entitled as follows: "The Emergence of the Black American," (Howard B. Woods); "Education in the Inner City," (D. Everett Thomas); "Jobs and Income," (Herbert D. Werner); "The Struggle for Shelter," (D. Everett Thomas); "Integration or Separatism: Which Way Do We Go?" (Anton G. Jachim); and, "Community Change," (Thomas J. Pavlak). (Authors/RJ)