This paper reconsiders some of the ways in which black American psychology has been theorized and researched, and proposes some alternative models. Black personality is in part an adaptation to the political contours of racism, the cumulative representation of the effects of racism over four centuries. However, the only systematic statements of black personality present it as a debilitating, self-defeating reaction to difficult circumstances. Being black in America often leads to a bifurcation of self, a split between an African heritage which bestows degradation and insult, and an American heritage which seems to offer promise and opportunity. Psychologists should devote more research time to the political construction of the psychological conflict endemic in being a black American. The remainder of this paper surveys research on black personality and outlines ways to view the intersection of racism and black personality. Four dynamics of personality organization which impart structure and guide behavior of blacks are identified: (1) individual versus group identity; (2) trust versus mistrust; (3) personal accountability versus contextual blame; and (4) minority and majority. (KH)