This report, the 15th in a series, contains papers by 10 outstanding scholars concerning the state of black America in 1990; it concludes that while many African Americans have made significant economic and political gains, half of the black population is still mired in poverty, joblessness, and hardship caused by racial discrimination. The convergence of such factors as the end of the Cold War, the realignment of the global economy, and the changing demographics of the nation's work force have created conditions in which the moral imperative to close the racial gap is also an economic imperative. Racial parity should be the national goal for the next decade, including dismantling remaining discriminatory barriers and investing in programs that help make people independent earners in a high technology economy. The 10 papers, which are preceded by brief biographies of the contributors and by an introductory overview, "Black America, 1989," by National Urban League president John E. Jacob, are as follows: "Black Americans and the Courts: Has the Clock Been Turned Back Permanently? (Julius L. Chambers); "Economic Status of Black Americans During the 1980s: A Decade of Limited Progress" (David H. Swinton); "Budget and Tax Strategy: Implications for Blacks" (Lenneal J. Henderson); "Housing Opportunity: A Dream Deferred" (Philip L. Clay); "Understanding African-American Family Diversity" (Andrew Billingsley); "The Rewards of Daring and the Ambiguity of Power: Perspectives on the Wilder Election of 1989" (Matthew Holden, Jr.); "Health Status of Black Americans" (LaSalle D. Leffall); "Preventing Black Homicide" (Carl C. Bell with Esther J. Jenkins); "Television Advertising and Its Impact on Black Americans" (Gene S. Robinson); and "Toward an African-American Agenda: An Inward Look" (Ramona H. Edelin). Policy recommendations are suggested in a wide range of areas in a concluding section. Statistical data are included on housing; (9) the drug epidemic; (10) universal health care plan; and (11) the liberation of South Africa. Statistical data are included on 42 tables. Three reports on early parenthood, unemployment, and school improvement, a chronology of events in 1989, and a list of 405 notes and references are appended. (FMW)