African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice illuminates the historical and contemporary experiences of African American families in the United States and demonstrates how they have survived and excelled in a nation not established for them.

Section I describes the African American family, including unique features, family structure, diversity, where they live, historical and contemporary influences on their lived experiences, and theoretical and methodological approaches to studying African American families. In Section II, readers learn about processes, adjustments, and well-being within African American families. Coverage includes parents’ influences on children’s physical, mental, and academic well-being, as well as religion and spirituality. The final section highlights diversity among African American families with chapters on African American fathers, grandparents raising grandchildren, and families with children in the child welfare system. Each chapter features learning objectives, discussion questions, and a section titled Did You Know? which draws attention to unique, forgotten, or thought-provoking facts about African American families.

African American Families is an ideal textbook for courses in African American studies, cultural and ethnic studies, sociology, psychology, social work, and education, and for practitioners, researchers, and others interested in the African American family.