Foundations and the Fallacy of a Post-Racial America: African American Men and Civic Engagement

In this essay, Dr. Emmett Carson provides three reasons foundations should engage in specific programs aimed at supporting African-American men and boys: the mythology of a post-racial society; saving an endangered species; and ensuring global competitiveness.

• Widespread acceptance of the U.S. as a post-racial society has prevented civic discourse around race and discouraged foundations from researching racial disparities and supporting solutions. Tweet
• African-American males have experienced significant socio-economic challenges for decades, which have been met with "the deafening silence of national indifference." Tweet
• The current experiences of African Americans are rooted in the country's history of slavery and prejudice and the cultural legacy of dehumanizing African-Americans. Tweet
• For the country to remain globally competitive, it is imperative that all Americans – including African-American men and boys – are able to fulfill their potential. Tweet
• The disparities experienced by African-American males should compel foundations to act consistently with their values and mission statements to develop race-specific approaches for ameliorating these conditions. Tweet