1. Direct Services are provided to individuals and families in the areas of education, parenting, computer and business training, youth leadership, food/resource assistance, and many more areas. 2. Research is conducted to study social and economic issues essential to the formulation of policies at the local and national levels and to enlarge the body of literature about Black America. This information is sent to the national organization and published annually in the journal, The State of Black America. 3. Advocacy is achieved for African Americans, other minorities and for the poor by speaking out on public policy issues that impact these groups.