Mayes-Whittington, my brother-in-law Michael Jacobs, Rickey Jones, Dr. Leonard Mclntyre, and Dr. Chester Williams. To each I want to express my thanks for their many thoughtful and unselfish acts of kindness during some of the more hectic periods. I am particularly indebted to them for taking the time to care about me, for caring enough to love me, and for loving me enough to understand me. May the spirit of our African ancestors be with you always and continue to bless you richly. And finally I extend my heartfelt dedication of this work to my entire family, who have actively and immeasurably supported my continuing education goals, but especially to xiv my mother Mrs. Louise Anthony Henderson, whose love and confidence has sustained me ever since my existence; my loving brothers Gerald "Jerry" Childs and Adrian Huling; and my devoted sister Yolanda "LaDaryl" Henderson-Jacobs, whose senses of humor were a tremendous source of strength to me. Their untiring faith (in me) enabled me to persevere, because they never doubted I could "cage this beast!" 'Mud.