Race Matters: Change, Choice, and Family Law at the Millennium

Abstract

This essay identifies and discusses some of the ways in which the factor of race continues to constrain the choices of many African-Americans about family life. Part One describes some present realities of Black life in this country. Part Two focuses on two areas-choices concerning intimate relationships between adults and choices about becoming a parent-to illustrate some of the ways in which the options of many Blacks remain constricted. Part Three points out some ways in which this society seems to be moving toward more, rather than less, public regulation of the lives of many Black families. Finally, Part Four notes some issues concerning race that family law will need to address in the new millennium.