A series of societal indicators in 64 of the largest American cities were contrasted with homicide rates. Data showed a strong correlation between race and murder. This phenomenon may be explained in part as the result of the inequalities of law enforcement and partly as the result of a lack of understanding by both law enforcement and poor blacks residing in unstable female-headed households, persons who regard homicide as an appropriate response in their at-risk environments. The study argues that blacks in America are high-risk individuals who are likely to be gunned down by members of their own race. The black community must take charge of themselves, their families and their communities in order to promote community and individual accountability and responsibility if they are to economically develop and prosper. Social order must be affirmed through education if America wants to control future crime. Tables, figure, references, appendix