Certain myths, images and stereotypes of blacks have existed in American minds since the late 1800's. The movie industry has taught the public a great deal of what they know about blacks and reinforced the stereotypes. Blacks have also been stereotyped in radio and television and although the electronic media has helped many black actors to obtain work that was unavailable in the movie industry, the roles offered them have been inconsequential. The print media are also guilty of the crime of omission and commission with regard to the portrayal of blacks. Prior to the 1960's, black images in the print were either negatively presented or absent. The struggle for media reform has existed in the black community since the 1800's and is evident in the efforts of black film making, the existence of two black radio stations, and many black newspapers. Efforts at media reform, however, are not sufficient. The last strongholds are in the area of employment and ownership, for as long as control of the majority of the mainstream media remains in the hand of white men alone, any image changes in the media will be token and piecemeal. (Author/AM)