Designed to serve as a companion volume to Notable Black American Women published in 1992, with a second book in 1996, this work aims to fill the need for an up-to-date biographical listing of African American men and to influence positively the image of black men in America. Covering nearly three centuries, it gives biographies of 500 men who are or were pioneers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, creative figures, leaders for social justice, major governmental or organizational officials, orators, educators, scholars, or contributors in other areas. Entries are in alphabetical order under the name by which the subject is best known, and many include a b&w photograph. Contains geographic, occupation, and subject indexes. Smith is associated with Fisk University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)