Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a worldwide health problem that can lead to strokes; cardiovascular, eye, and renal diseases; and death. African Americans suffer disproportionally from hypertension-related morbidity and mortality. Research supports the need for cultural interventions to assess barriers to blood pressure control. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess barriers to blood pressure control in older (ages 50-75 years) hypertensive African Americans. The study was based on the health belief model. Participants were volunteers obtained from a convenience sample. They completed a demographic questionnaire and the Hill Bone Compliance Scale, a 14- item instrument that assesses medication compliance in hypertensive patients. The study explored the relationship between blood pressure control and several variables including socioeconomic status, gender, exercise, smoking, overweight status, and medication compliance. None of the study participants met criteria for poverty according to 2009 guidelines. No statistically significant relationships were found between uncontrolled blood pressure and gender, smoking, or amount of exercise. Overweight status and medication compliance were significantly associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. This study promotes the objective of Healthy People 2010 to improve rates of blood pressure control in the U.S. population. These findings will help promote positive social change by identifying barriers to blood pressure control and in forming an intervention that is culturally sensitive to meet the specific needs of older African Americans. The intervention can improve community involvement and therapeutic alliances and reduce health disparities.