By ETIENNE R. LEGRAND
I’m reminded during this time of year of the some 3,000 children who lost a parent in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The stories of the challenges and unimaginable loss these children faced, in particular the boys who are coming of age as young men without their father’s guidance. This reminds me of the many African-American males whose lives are similarly affected by the absence of fathers in their lives. While the causes for the absences are remarkably different, the impact on their sons’ lives is no less devastating.
Terrorism prematurely stole fathers from a group of boys in one instance, while failed drug policies, early parenthood and a disproportionate poverty rate are the culprits in another instance—continuously stealing fathers from African-American boys to a devastating consequence for them, their families and the nation.
While nothing can replace a father, the devastation of the “father-gap” on boys resulting from the 9-11 attacks is seemingly lessened through the support of family members, extended family members, mentors, therapists and special camps that collaborate to fill gaps created by the tragic deaths of their fathers. I have read and heard stories of boys who are inspired to achieve great things by the memories of the fathers they may not have known at all or whose images are beginning to fade.
By contrast, the devastation of the “father-gap” on African-American boys from failed drug policies, early parenthood and poverty is not as easily contained or averted, despite the many programs and people of goodwill in communities across America who are stepping up to fill these gaps. Perhaps, the complex circumstances that lead to their absences creates more stress on an already fragile family unit, produces a bigger demand for surrogate fathers, stand-ins and mentors than the available supply, and reveals gaps in the infrastructure of programs assembled to mitigate the effects of absent fathers.
According to a College Board report, 54 percent of African-American boys are growing up in female-headed households and attend schools in which, on average, 80 percent of teachers are female. By default, these environments often cater to female learning styles. Research further finds this absence of fathers and father figures leads African-American boys to search for respect outside of educational institutions – away from the very solution that can have the biggest and most profound impact on
their lives.
These conditions are leading to racial achievement gaps concentrated among males of all races, but especially among African-American males who now earn only one out of two high school diplomas and one out of three college degrees. The lower educational achievement of African-American males results in a tragic cost in unfulfilled potential – the resulting lack of skills leads to lower lifetime earnings, poorer health and higher rates of incarceration.
While the causes of the “father-gap” are strikingly different between the two groups of boys and the prospects for the boys who lost their fathers in the 9-11 attacks may appear brighter by comparison, we cannot give up on African-American males. New initiatives funded by New York’s Mayor Bloomberg and philanthropist and hedge fund billionaire George Soros will certainly lead to more attention and resources directed to this important national challenge. These two men have combined forces to invest in black and Latino males in New York City through mentoring and afterschool programs, among other initiatives. As with all new ideas there is wide criticism about whether the investments are targeted to the best use to achieve success for these boys who are in dire need of our help.
Along with new investments such as these, let’s also look to the 9/11 attacks for possible lessons about how to address the growing problem of African-American boys’ low educational attainment. The act of terrorism solidified the resolve of those concerned about the lives of the children impacted by this tremendous loss 10 years ago – that the attacks and loss of a parent would neither define nor destroy the lives of these children. Perhaps we can similarly resolve that African-American boys’ lives will not be destroyed nor defined by the absence of their fathers, no matter the reason for it and connect our efforts to support them with the need to buttress the families and communities in which they live.
Etienne R. LeGrand is President & Co-Founde of the Atlanta-based W.E. B DuBois Society that offers intensive supplemental educational experiences for youth.