This paper discusses the problem of African American adult literacy not as a problem of individuals, but as a problem integrally connected to African American communities. Part 1 describes the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) and provides an overview of results for African Americans. The NALS sample was composed of approximately 13,600 adults, with oversamples of African Americans and Hispanic Americans to provide data for meaningful generalizations and comparisons. Parts 2 and 3 suggest that literacy proficiency is linked to social and economic problems facing African Americans, problems that prevent far too many African Americans from reaching full development. Part 4 discusses literacy proficiency in the context of development. This section suggests a framework for discussions of literacy based on a concept of development that encompasses the individual, the family, and the community. Part 5 presents some recommendations regarding policies and practices to improve African American adult literacy. (Contains 13 tables and 29 references.) (SLD)