ABSTRACT
The educational achievement of Black males is in decline and scholars indicate that disparities between this group and other groups begin early. In elementary school and continuing into high school, Black males lead all other racial/ ethnic and gender groups in suspensions, expulsions, behavioral problems, and referral to special education services (Harper, 2006; Jackson & Moore, 2006; Palmer, Davis, & Hilton, 2009; Strayhorn, 2008; White & Cones, 1999). By the time Black males reach college age, they are more likely to be incarcerated than enrolled in postsecondary education (Harrison & Beck, 2005). Given that students of color are projected to comprise 50% of the U.S. population by 2050 (Museus, Palmer, Davis, & Maramba, 2011), the disproportionate rates of death, incarceration, unemployment, and comparatively low levels of college graduation rates among Black males raise imminent concerns for the nation’s future (Harper, 2006; Jackson & Moore, 2006; Palmer et al., 2009; Strayhorn, 2008).
