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Originally posted by AKA2D '91
To add to your #1.
AA men in our elementary and secondary school settings are scarce. Years ago, there were strong male role models in our schools. If a person did not have a male figure at home, there was someone at school who served as that "figure."
Since teachers are not making money, AAs are not going into this area. When you go to( Fall) Commencement Exercises, count the number of Education graduates and then the number of AA male graduates. If you find men in the area, it's likely because they want to become a coach.  At my school, there are 7 AA males, 4 of them are coaches. They are a different type, if you will. They do not have a strong presence. They do not seem to want to get involved. Even the 2 AA disciplinarians we have are not STRONG. They tend to "play" with the kids.
At one time, there was a mentor program at school (sponsored by a female), but it doesn't really exist anymore since she has retired.
Young men have to be nurtured and exposed before they enter college.
Not all times can it start at home. Maybe years ago, but not now. You have to see what's "at home". Sometimes, no one or nothing is there. Then, what are the options?
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I agree to a certain extent. But 20 or 30 yrs ago, Black men were limited to education, but with greater access to the private sector, that changed.
I think that you still have to look closest to home to find the solution. Institutions are supposed to supplement what is taught at home, they are poor replacements and rarely can do more than they are built to do. We are in an awful bind.