This paper discussed
the factors that hinder academic achievement of African American males from disadvantaged
backgrounds with emphasis on Mississippi. These factors are applicable to other
disadvantaged students from the same backgrounds. The factors originate from
homes, individuals, communities, and schools. In addition, the paper proffered
what African American males from disadvantaged backgrounds can do to overcome
home, individual, community, and school factors that increase the odds of
dropping out of school. The paper concluded that the causes of disadvantaged
African American males dropping out of school originate from many sources.
Finger pointing can only exacerbate the problem. Therefore, all stakeholders
should work together to minimize or eliminate the problem of dropout for
disadvantaged African American males and others from similar backgrounds in the
Unites States and other regions of the world.
