Dropping Out, Imprisoned or Killed: Disparities in Outcomes Faced by Young African American Men

In the United States, racial and ethnic disparities exist across an array of domains. That such disparities exist should surprise no one. Nor should the fact that such disparities diminish the life chances of those affected. A vast body of literature documents such disparities and shows that they have developed and persisted over time in the context of historical and structural racism in ways that may influence policies, practices and programs.

Boys and men of color—in particular, young African American men—are particularly vulnerable to such disparities. For example, they tend to have lower high school graduation rates, a greater likelihood of going to prison and higher mortality rates from homicide.   | Tavis Smiley