This research study is for men and women who are of African American descent and who:

• Have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Have a family member with IBD
• Do not have IBD or a family member with IBD (for comparison)

The purpose of the study is to find out why inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) occurs in individuals and families of African-American descent. The research is being done because the characteristics of IBD in the African-American population have not been well documented.

The research will study the genes that may that may be associated with the development of IBD and predict IBD disease course and individual response to treatment. The study will also investigate the genetic, environmental and socio-economical components that contribute to the development of IBD in the African American population.

Participation will include completing a questionnaire about health, IBD symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and a blood sample collection. Study participation is a one-time visit.

Participants will be compensated for their time.