Because the black church has historically been the strongest institution within the black community, The Role of the Black Church in Family Literacy examines the church from the perspective that it is an untapped resource in dealing with illiteracy and educational failures among black people. Based upon a review of black church literacy efforts in four denominations and based upon interviews with church leaders and members, the author suggests that the black church can serve its community as a vehicle for literacy development - using its resources, influence, history, social richness, and cultural heritage as a basis for achievement.