The findings of a national study of black suicide are reported in this paper. A suitable explanation is sought for the increasing suicide rate among young blacks. The possibility of a link between suicide and the weakening of black community and family ties is explored. Specifically, the isolating effects of inmigration and living alone are examined. These variables are viewed as limiting access to stable relations within the black community. In addition, an attempt is made to determine the relationship between black suicide and educational level as an indicator of social class status. Differences in suicide rates by age and sex are demonstrated in statistical tables. In States with the largest black population, both inmigration and educational level are shown to be strongly related to black suicide. The relationship between black suicide and living alone, however, is weak. It is concluded that a link between a weakening of social relations (via alienation from traditional and familial ties) and black suicide is conceptually and empirically possible. (Author/GC)