The Post Obama Reality

Although many pundits are waxing poetic about living in a post-racial society since the election of President Obama the truth is that we have far to go in leveling the playing field for black children; black boys in particular. Before anyone jumps down my throat, I am not suggesting that the "establishment" has this obligation. I am merely suggesting that there are very sobering statistics that indicate a widening gap in academic achievements and other critical social indicators for black boys, compared to those of their non-black counterparts.

Although President Obama's success suggests a seismic shift in racial ideology in this country, the American dream remains a more remote hope for black boys than it does for any other group; including black girls. Taken as a whole, eighth-grade reading and math scores for black boys are well below those of other students. In many school districts across the country, black boys are nearly the only students being expelled.

Nationally, black males make up only 9% of all school enrollment but are 20% of the group classified as learning disabled. They are more likely to be classified as learning disabled,very early in their academic lives, than any other group. Why does this matter? Early labeling is often prophetic and has a profound effect on the self esteem and feelings of self worth of the child. Certainly parents play a role in how this plays out. Parental involvement in a child's education is critical to how well the child will fare overall during his or her academic career. Statistics bare this out. Absent parental involvement, a child is far less likely to be academically successful. This is also a strong indicator for how successful the child will be in the community in general. Many children who have no parental involvement in school are often found to have problems in the community and may enter in to the juvenile justice system early.

The social price of this is tragically high. 20% of all black males lacking a high school diploma are incarcerated. The homicide rate for young black males is astronomically high; higher than any other similarly aged group. The commission of violent crimes leans heavily toward black males in communities across the United States. Other statistics are similarly discouraging.

How can we parlay President Obama's historic achievement into achievement for black boys? Confidence is important, but it's not sufficient. As President Obama has said, success begins with parents willing to take responsibility, set limits and be involved. On the bright side, successful education reforms across the country have shown that the right academic environment can overcome dysfunctional family situations in many cases. This does not let us off the hook as parents, family, friends and mentors. Where do you stand?

Inaugural Post- Is There a New Sense of Hope for the Futures of Black Boys?

My husband and I have 2 young sons under the age of 7. I have been concerned about their futures since they were born. Of course I am not alone in my concern for my children's futures, as I would imagine that all parents are similarly concerned. What I imagine is unique to my situation, and that of other parents of black boys, is that I have fretted about how society will treat my children as they become men. I believe that the onus is on my husband and me to develop the character and moral foundation from which they will step out in to the world. I also believe that we get back that which we put forth. In other words, if you walk around exhibiting anger and carrying yourself in a way which promotes fear in others, that is what you will get back.
Does the fact that Barack Obama is now President of the United States change anything with respect to how black males of all ages are perceived? It may be too early to tell but I do believe that black families may be inspired to encourage greatness in their children, especially male children, at earlier ages than in previous times.
What are your thoughts on this outlook?