Operation Black Male
New book highlights successful programs, challenging topics
related to this segment of the college population

The media and scholarly literature are replete with countless reminders of the negative plight of the Black male in American society. The predicament of the Black male was well-articulated in a recent New York Times article entitled, “Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn,” which highlighted various data such as incarceration rates and unemployment statistics for Black males. In response to this and other reports, there appears to be a movement underway among researchers and concerned stakeholders to improve the participation of Black men throughout all levels of education.

Michael J. Cuyjet’s new book, African American Men in College, emerges as another tool to support such efforts. In this  volume, more than 20 scholars, professionals and students provide a glimpse into the mind of Black men, as well as into the conditions and circumstances affecting the lives of Black male college students.

The book is appropriately divided into two sections, the first of which describes some of the relevant issues related to Black men’s experiences in college. The second section examines the success and effectiveness of various programs designed to influence their academic, social and personal development. The topics addressed cover a wide range and include scholarly work on Black male student-athletes, gay Black men in college, Black men in community colleges and the impact of fraternities on Black male development, to list just a few. The contributing authors of African American Men in College should be applauded for addressing controversial and challenging topics regarding Black men. The importance of these topics for college student personnel and faculty is undeniable.