The relationship between universities and black urban communities: The clash of two cultures

This article is a theoretical discussion of the cultural dynamics that shape the relationship between universities and black urban communities. It is argued that universities have a responsibility to address inner-city problems. However, the social relationships between academic institutions and urban communities are impeded as a result of cultural differences. Cultural, social, and power theories are employed to construct a framework for exploring the factors that impede positive interactions between universities and black urban communities. The article concludes by linking the renewed American discourse on civility to the public service mission of higher education and its relevance to urban communities. © 2000 Human Sciences Press, Inc.