This paper describes a strategy to enhance communication competence and self-determination among a group of African-American high school students enrolled in the West Philadelphia High School through the production of a community newspaper. The ethnographic data presented in the paper originates from a 6-month pilot study, beginning with the implementation of a journalism/language arts course and culminating in the publication of the first issue of the paper. Results indicated that community newsmaking permitted the African-American high school students to enhance their self-determination by extending their influence within their social systems through communicative action, the shared making and dissemination of knowledge claims about themselves and their environment. Descriptions of the 6-month project demonstrate the students initially responded as they do to many other school phenomena--with considerable resistance. The most promising site for the development of affirming relationships and for the practice of new skills appeared to be the small group. (A list of 79 references is attached.) (Author/RS)