About the Initiative
While much progress has been made since the passage of the Civil Rights Act, educational and economic success still remain beyond the grasp of many African American males.
In school, young Black men have higher rates of suspension, expulsion, dropout and placement in special education than other groups. In adulthood, African American males are more likely to be unemployed and incarcerated or on probation than men of other racial groups. In fact, African Americans make up 12 percent of the U.S. population but Black males represent nearly half the male prison population.
This is a dilemma that demands a solution. That’s why Children’s Aid has created The African American Male Initiative. With the help of volunteers like you, the initiative will change the status quo by creating paths to success for young Black males.
- Gain a better understanding of the issues facing young black males.
- Create new and better programs to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
A major step in this direction is a mentoring program called Steps to Success for second- and third-grade African American boys of Harlem.
Staff:
Lorna Palacio Morgan, Senior Program Quality Advisor
