In less than three months, our college bound young men and women of America will be entering their chosen college or university. Sadly, the portrait I have summed up in this post will be seen by most entering first year students. Those of us who have been blessed to become alumni from whatever college or university should be concerned about the continuing decline in the percentage of black males entering our colleges and universities. I read somewhere that this is a national problem, not just a black community problem. It is both. But especially those of us who have benefited from graduating from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) should be more than concerned. We should be alarmed and committed to do what we can to help solve this serious problem. The disparity of statistics found on google are glaring and deserve America’s attention, and the attention of those of us who care about the black community. For example, the following statistics are roughly reported: N.C. A&T State University 38 % male, 62% female, Howard University 28% male, 72% female, Hampton University 33% male, 67% female, Morgan St. University, 39% male, 61% female, N.C. Central University 30% male, 70% female, Florida A&M University 35% male, 65% female, Grambling University 27% male, 63% female, Norfolk St. University 33% male, 67% female. I have no reason to believe that the disparities found at non- HBCU’s are any less alarming. I penned the poem below nearly 30 years ago from the eyes of a young lawyer going to criminal court almost daily. Since that time, this issue has gotten worse. Its causes are many, but surely the lack of fathers in the home and community is one of them. One thought I have is that those of us who care need to demonstrate our concern by spending time in our resegregated public schools. The scriptures remind us that love covers a multitude of sins. I haven’t given up hope. What do you think we can do to make a difference regarding this deeply concerning matter?
“Where Have All the Brothers Gone”
Where have all the brothers gone
They have gone astray
Head all bad, not thinking straight
All dressed in bright colored jump suits and locked away
Where have all the brothers gone
They have gone astray
Many have lost hope
Got no respect for self and even less for others
Freedom ancestors fought and died for, is not now revered
And life itself, once sacrosanct, has little meaning
Where have all the brothers gone
Too few trying to find them
Too selfish and busy to care
That their brothers have gone away
But hopefully not to stay.
December 4, 1996
