This one-stop resource situates racism within America's structural foundations and institutions to consider how racial discrimination and segregation have changed the trajectory of the USA from its colonial beginnings to the present day.

It provides readers with contextual background for better understanding the history and underpinnings of racism in America; an introduction to the most important and high-profile problems, controversies, and solutions related to racism in American life; and perspectives from experts in a variety of fields related to race relations and African American history. Other features include profiles of important people and organizations fighting for racial equality and reconciliation. a detailed chronology; and an annotated bibliography listing sources for further study.