HBCU Dilemma: A Critical Problem for Democrats

A significant crisis is unfolding on HBCU campuses. Currently, Black men comprise merely 26% of HBCU students, marking the lowest percentage in nearly half a century. The South, home to 89% of HBCUs, records a dismal 33% Black male college enrollment rate. Notably, Howard University reports that only 19% of its student body is composed of Black men. This decline, from 38% in 1976 to today's 26%, reveals stark implications for economic advancement.These figures reflect a troubling trend: many Black men are increasingly excluded from pathways to upward mobility. Democrats must prioritize this issue, particularly as it could hinder upcoming elections, highlighted by Donald Trump's acquisition of 24% of the Black male vote in 2024.HBCUs are proactively seeking solutions. Alabama A&M celebrated its largest freshman class, with 42% being male, while Morgan State University has initiated a task force dedicated to augmenting Black male enrollment. However, the responsibility should not rest solely on HBCUs.To regain electoral power, Democrats must directly engage Black men by addressing both the enrollment crisis and the broader barriers limiting their economic progress. This issue transcends mere college attendance; rather, it encapsulates the economic struggles facing countless Black men, whether they pursue higher education, trades, or...