Historical Perspectives on African American Males as Subjects of Education Policy

The intent of this article is to frame the contemporary policy prescriptions concerning the plight and prospects of African American males in historical perspective. The authors argue that the emergence of African American males as a special subject of educational policy represents a more explicit rendering of a deeply rooted social and educational policy discourse in which African American males figured prominently but seldom as a targeted subject. Selected historical literature in African American education, sociology, and educational policy are reviewed, noting relevant trends over time.