Planning and the appropriate role of planners are vital elements for black community development in the South. In enhancing the community development activities of Southern black communities, planning would direct new challenges and cooperation between blacks and whites in the region. One of the challenges would be to influence directed social change such as the improvement of the quality of life for black and white citizens alike. In dealing with these challenges, white planners, being better able to identify with city government officials, business people and white citizens, could speak on behalf of blacks who may have difficulty in acquiring audiences with these elements. White planners may further act to involve greater numbers of blacks in the planning process. Black planners also have a role to play in working with Southern black communities. No matter what race or what role a planner plays, he or she must acquire competence through education. Specifically required by these planners are results that would enhance the economic and political positions of Southern black communities, and the generation of feasible beneficial choices for blacks. In return, Southern black communities are encouraged to exploit the planning process to focus greater emphasis on policy that makes for equity in resource allocation and use. (Author/EB)