Minorities in the United States have higher stroke risks, stroke occurrence at an earlier age, and for some groups, more severe strokes than non-Hispanic whites. Factors contributing to these disparities are explored. Characteristics of African American, Hispanic, and Native American stroke risk and incidence are reviewed. The authors describe recent interventions to raise the awareness of stroke risk factors and symptoms in minorities. The importance of the problem is highlighted, and the authors suggest ways that stroke in minorities may be reduced.