Inner Civilization is an historical essay and guide for the future development of Black America. Inner Civilization represents the development of a culture among African Americans that draws from their own heritage, intellect and imagination. The author does not assume that black Americans are one people simply because of their racial make-up. He seeks to establish the need for finding shared traditions, organizing principles, and values beyond those based in slavery and discrimination. And unlike the typical afro-centric approach, Inner Civilization includes elements of culture from Asia and the Ancient Middle East that black people have also originated. Finally, Inner Civilization shows how forging a single overarching ideal lends itself to a greater sense of direction, commitment, increased creativity, economic efficiency and a more realistic environment for mutual goodwill.