This anthology captures the multifaceted experiences and perspectives of Black life in America through a collection of diverse poetic and prose voices. The compiler, Arnold Adoff, gathers various contributors to articulate the realities of identity, struggle, and cultural pride. The work functions as a mosaic of individual expressions, utilizing a non-linear structure to present a broad spectrum of viewpoints. The primary objective is to provide a platform for authentic voices to address the social and personal conditions of the era.

Readers and critics often describe this collection as a significant historical document that reflects the cultural climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Discussion frequently centers on the raw honesty of the contributors and the effectiveness of the anthology in highlighting voices that were often marginalized in mainstream literature. The pacing is noted for its variety, as the shift between different poetic voices keeps the reader engaged with changing tones and perspectives. Many highlight the work as a foundational text for those interested in the evolution of African American literary expression during this period.