Abstract of

Racism and its Impact on African American Male Academic Achievement in Public Schools

by

David Allen Williams, Jr.

Spring 1993

California State University, Sacramento

Statement of the Problem

This study will focus on the research and analysis of the history of education for African Americans with special emphasis on African American males. Within this study I will concentrate on institutional vehicles used for the maintenance of a White male dominated society and its’ impact on African Americans in general and African American males specifically. Within the framework of this study I will examine the literature related to the variables that have been identified as the causes of the academic underachievement of African American Youth.

Sources of Data

Information was obtained from research of related literature and the historical documents that relate to African American education in America.

Conclusions Reached

After careful analysis of the related literature it became apparent that the problem of low academic achievement of African American males is systemic and not individual. Early curriculum developers and reformers were interested in promoting and preserving Western civilization and culture through a Eurocentric curriculum. The results of this has been the perpetuation of racism (White supremacy), through its endemic nature.

The educational system has failed to provide for the African American males those things that are vital to human growth and development. The solution, then, is the establishment of effective educational centers with an African centered Multicultural curriculum, that are community based and staffed by African American personnel.