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An African American woman narrates her experiences in Rwanda and Uganda, which she visited as part of a USAID project on library automation in 1991. Rwanda has many brave people committed to the preservation of their culture, but also presents contrasts between poverty and wealth. The abundance of natural resources enables the people of Uganda to maintain a higher level of living. The devastation of Uganda began with the war that was started by Idi Amin during the 1960s and the 1970s. In both countries, war, poverty and political problems have caused books to become endangered species.

A black lesbian reflects on her 13 year relationship with a survivor of an abused childhood. For the relation to last, personal limits had to be rearranged. Stresses included her partner's involvement with another person, but the commitment to the relationship emerged as the top priority.

Five days are recalled from a summer helping in a pediatric ward for children with AIDS. The plight of the child Imani served as a central story, with the pediatrician Sister-Friend Pat serving as a guide. While Imani's health deteriorated, her mother abandoned her, and a phone call from Pat was not answered out of fear that it was about Imani's death.

A black film maker reflects on her family's influence upon her work. Since the parents suffered from racism, they left a legacy of anger and a drive to succeed in the face of adversity. These energies have been channelled into a creative process which emphasizes discovery, and is well suited to the medium of documentaries about Afro-Americans or Africans.

A single black mother reflects on the need for supportive communities which affirm humanity. The challenges of single motherhood were unknown 17 years ago when the child's father left. Problems of exploitation, rejection and child rearing have led to radical strength to overcome the challenges. And this life has led to the realization of the need for a valued place in a community.

A black lesbian reflects on her friendship with two women beginning in college and continuing to the present. Coming out was possible in college, and the two friends chased male students. After college, the two friends became roommates with a gay man who had a dramatic life, but they eventually moved out.