Blacks represent a large number of persons (arrestees and offenders) in the criminal justice system as compared to their proportion of the population. However, they are underrepresented in administrative policymaking positions in criminal justice agencies, as well as in criminology and criminal justice academic degree programs. The exclusion of blacks from key administrative positions, coupled with a general lack of information on the black perspective on crime, has been a major factor in the failure of Federal, State, and local governments to develop effective strategies for dealing with crime. Blacks have been writing on the problem of crime, especially in the black community, since the turn of the century. They see causes of crime in such factors as racism and oppression, and the disintegration of social controls. They also indicate that increased black employment in criminal justice will result in a system more responsive to black needs and increased black support of criminal justice institutions. To this end, the shortage of college trained blacks in criminal justice must be addressed. However, many potential black faculty members are often lacking the professional qualifications because of their practitioner backgrounds. Recruiting black students into graduate criminology and criminal justice degree programs hinges on the availability of financial aid. With decreasing financial assistance for graduate studies, alternate sources of funding for the students have to be sought; e.g. part-time employment in criminal justice agencies. Black students should also participate in ongoing research and conferences, and write publications. Statistical data and about 40 references are included.