The Situation of Black Educational Researchers: Continuation of a Crisis

Abstract

The numbers and proportions of Blacks gaining doctorates and entering academe have continuously declined. This decline is seen in all fields including education, particularly educational research. Coupled with this downward trend is the fact that, psychologically, Black faculty often find themselves in work environments that are not fully supportive. Prejudice and discrimination remain as obstacles, and for many the lack of mentoring, at any level, is a reality. The situation for many Black faculty in education can be described best as a predicament. For black educational researchers and the nation, this situation has long been of crisis proportions, and it demands to be addressed directly, for it relates to the common good for American education. As never before, more involvement and more Black educational researchers are needed in the efforts to address the myriad problems that beset U.S. education. Related issues and recommendations are discussed in this article.