In 2008, Americans are at the precipice of a monumental historical moment- the Democratic Party will nominate Sen. Barack Obama as a candidate for President of the United States. Regardless of the outcome of the November election, Senator Obama’s ascent to the highest political office in the land is a victory for civil rights, and specifically, a crowning glory for Black male achievement.
Along with this demonstration of progress, however, we should be vigilant. The opponents of progressive pubic policy will point to Senator Obama’s individual success and attempt to weave a narrative that racism is dead. That is why at this historic juncture, it is imperative that educators, policy analysts, and the public at large pay close attention to the status of members of Senator Obama’s demographic group — Black males — in the arena that perhaps best correlates to improved life opportunities: the educational pipeline.
As educational researchers who are also Black males, we have personally and objectively observed evidence that the educational pipeline for young men of color is leaking rapidly. From witnessing our declining representation in high school honors courses, to college, and on to graduate school, we are used to being in a small minority. We are also accustomed to being stereotyped, our credentials and positions are often questioned, even in academic settings. In many ways, however, we are the fortunate ones in comparison to the sizable numbers of young Black males who are poorly served by our educational system.
The most current numbers on young Black males’ educational outcomes are dire. Though the disparity between racial groups (i.e., Blacks and Whites) regarding graduation rates has narrowed since the 1970s, notable gaps remain. Data from the 2007 U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey presents a snapshot of high school graduation rates by race. Nationally, the percentage of males in the 18-24 year cohort with a high school diploma or greater is 77 percent. When disaggregated by race, however, the disparities become readily apparent. While Asian American and White males in the 18-24 year cohort report educational attainment of a high school diploma or greater at 85 percent and 81 percent respectively, Black males report a rate of 73 percent.
