1930s: Sixty percent of African Americans between the ages of 5 and 20 attend school.

1990s: In 1997, 13.4 percent of African-American students drop out of high school.

1930s: The annual median income for whites is $1,325, while the median income for African Americans and other minorities is $489.

1990s: In 1998, the annual median household income for whites is $42,000 and for African Americans it is $25,500. In 1995, 9.9 million African Americans—29.3 percent of the African-American population—live in poverty.

1930s: In 1930, the population of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is 66,198. Atlantic City is a popular vacation resort.

1990s: In 1998, the population of Atlantic City, New Jersey, is 38,063. Voters legalized gambling in 1976, and today Atlantic City is best known for its casinos.