Unique in its perspective and range, this anthology uses diverse essays, short stories, poems and plays by and about African Americans to stimulate critical reading, thinking, discussion, and writing. It first provides a comprehensive process-oriented writing guide, and then offers a diverse collection of readings that provide models and reflect the rich heritage of African American culture. Over 100 essays, short stories, poems, and plays by and/or about African Americans feature works by Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Arthur Ashe--as well as lesser known but equally talented writers. An exploration of eighteen themes throughout the book includes slavery, African American women, male-female relationships, politics, freedom/equality, arts and media, education, folklore, and interracial relationships among others. For anyone interested in writings by and about African Americans--and interested in writing their own interpretation of what they read.