In this review, historical events are used to depict those aspects of American and especially black history which preceded the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Slavery, the Civil War, and the civil rights movement are discussed. Efforts to achieve equal educational opportunity are described and an overview of school desegregation and other relevant legislation is provided. Reactions to these efforts and the gains that have been made in school integration, social integration, and the educational attainment of blacks since 1954 are described. Equal economic opportunity is discussed in terms of early Federal efforts, affirmative action, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, problems in enforcement, and sex discrimination in employment. Data which illustrate the changes that have occurred in the employment status, income status, and availability of public accommodations for non-whites and women are presented. (EB)