This report examines underlying causes of racial and ethnic tensions in the Mississippi Delta. It is based on sworn testimony from a public hearing, subpoenaed documents received by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and legal research. Data are provided on: equality of economic opportunity (racial factors and economic opportunity, agriculture, and black Delta farmers); race and public education; and voting rights and political representation. Significant racial disparities exist in the socioeconomic conditions of blacks and whites. Black farmers have unequal access to technical support and financial assistance. Nearly half of the lowest ranking school districts are in the Delta. Minority students are over-represented in special education. Teacher shortages exist throughout Mississippi, particularly in the poorest districts with the most minority students. Since Mississippi adopted new admissions standards by equalizing admissions requirements at four-year institutions, fewer black students have qualified for unconditional admission. Minority political participation in Mississippi has increased substantially since passage of the Voting Rights Act. Black voter registration and voting lag behind that of white citizens. Recommendations for each of the study's findings are presented. Two appendixes describe Mississippi Delta county supervisors and black elected officials on municipal governing bodies in Mississippi. (Contains 17 tables.) (SM)