Writing a book-length manuscript or any work of similar magnitude is not an individual effort. There have been many people who have assisted me in getting to this point, and I simply mention the most memorable and remarkable here. As a point of departure, I would like to thank God for bringing me through this period in my life with a sense of balance, clarity and purpose. If these last few years have swiftly passed, I owe that blessing to you. I am eternally grateful to my advisors and mentors, Dr. Jerome E. Drakeford, Dr. Julius E. Thompson, Dr. Robert E. Weems, Jr., and Dr. James L. Conyers, Jr., who have offered encouraging words of support throughout my collegiate and professional career. Each of you consistently pressed upon me the importance of sacrifice, responsibility, perseverance and the necessity of looking beyond everyday challenges in my professional career. I could never have made it this far without your guidance and patience. Numerous friends and professional acquaintances also lent their support in this endeavor. A “thousand thanks” to my best friend Paul Easterling for keeping me thinking, laughing, and sane. I will forever be indebted to the Bilal family, Carol and Ahmos Zu-Bolton, Alynthia and Charles White, Candance Benton and “Millie,” Malik, Pius Nyutu, Mable Grimes, Paula Roper, Richard and Jamilia Butler, Dr. Andrew P. Smallwood, Dr. Mickie Koster, Dr. Bayyinah Jeffries, Dr. Wilma King, Dr. John H. Wigger, and Dr. Mark Carroll. I am also grateful for the assistance provided by Dr. Anthony Pinn, Dr. Aminah B. McCloud, and Dr. Abul Pitre, each of whom offered critical insights that helped strengthen many of the contentions found herein.