"This encyclopedia is a welcome exploration of the great variety of social networks that human beings create and participate in. Interdisciplinary in scope, the set includes contributions from some of the foremost scholars studying community today. Appendixes include an extensive bibliography, a collection of resources guides, an annotated guide to "Community in Popular Culture," and "Libraries Build Community," a guide for librarians."--"The Top 20 Reference Titles of the Year," American Libraries, May 2004

Robert M. Franklin provides first-person advice and insight as he identifies the crises resident within three anchor institutions that have played key roles in the black struggle for freedom. Black families face a "crisis of commitment" evident in the rising rates of father absence, births to unmarried parents, divorce, and domestic abuse or relationship violence. Black churches face a "mission crisis" as they struggle to serve their upwardly mobile and/or established middle class "paying customers" alongside the poorest of the poor. Historically black colleges and universities face a crisis of "relevance and purpose" as they now compete for the best students and faculty with the broad marketplace of colleges. With clarity and passion, Franklin calls for practical and comprehensive action for change from within the African American community and from all Americans.