< p>Three times a year, this extraordinary reference series provides biographical profiles of important persons of African heritage. Whether they are personalities from the news, selected 20th-century notables, or individuals who are not yet household names, these are the men and women who are changing today's world and shaping the world of tomorrow.< p>Each volume of < I>Contemporary Black Biography< /I> contains at least 65 full-length biographies written in an easy-to-follow prose style, ranging from 2 to 4 pages each. Arranged alphabetically, entries are divided by subheads for quick scanning. Sections cover: < ul>< li>Portrait (as available)< li>Date and place of birth< li>Educational background< li>Address< li>Career data< li>Memberships< li>Awards received< li>Detailed prose essay< li>Complete source citations< /ul>< p>< I>Contemporary Black Biography< /I> is not limited to coverage of only notable black Americans, nor is it restricted by a manufactured definition of "contemporary." Its multinational coverage spans this century and includes rising personalities as well as groundbreakers and newsmakers in a variety of fields.< P>< I>Contemporary Black Biography< /I> includes four cumulative indexes: < ul>< li>< b>Nationality: < /b> While concentrating on U.S. figures, this title also covers important personalities from other countries. Find them listed by nationality here.< li>< b>Occupation: < /b> Editors focus on biographies not typically found in other sources — an eclectic blend of well-known and well-respected educators, physicians, politicians, activists, writers, clergy, military leaders, attorneys, as well as members of the more glamorous occupations such as athletes, fashion models and actors< li>< b>Subjects: < /b> Events, places and organizations are cross-referenced to each entry. Use this index to identify key black individuals associated