This book is a guide to the central facts and key information necessary for an understanding of the black experience and its true place in the American experience. Timelines present, in chronological order, the dates of major events in African-American history from the fifteenth century to 1993. The events of each year are divided into subject categories such as politics and civil rights, sports, literature and journalism, the military, and visual arts. This arrangement makes it possible to trace any of these themes across the years as well as within each year. In addition to listing significant dates, the book recognizes the vital importance of African-American culture. More than 1,500 entries describe people and events. Sidebars highlight particular events or conditions, or profile individuals of interest. (Contains 58 references.) (SLD)