Amidst prayers for peace was open warfare. Unless daunting odds there was some measure of hope. In the 20 years under study here it becomes clear the US took some steps toward justice, but on a road lined with tears. Upchurch (history, East Georgia College) gives students and general readers a strong foundation in the contexts first, explaining how race relations came to a head in the 1960s and 1970s. He gives close coverage of key events for each ten-year era, the people who lead movements for equity and justice, the role of law and government, both for and against progress, the influence of the media and mass communication, the cultural scene, theories and views of race relations then current, and conditions for African Americans, American Indians, Latinos, Asian Americans, and other groups. He provides timelines for the 1960s and 1970s, resource guides, and a solid bibliography. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)