February 1st 2025.
Recent reports have highlighted a growing concern about the declining number of Black men on college campuses, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In response to this issue, Morgan State University has taken a proactive approach to find a solution.
President David K. Wilson has announced the formation of a Presidential Task Force on the State of Black Male Enrollment at Morgan. The task force, composed of faculty, researchers, staff, and students, will investigate the causes of the decline in Black male enrollment and retention at Morgan and other HBCUs. Their goal is to develop actionable solutions to address this pressing issue.
President Wilson emphasized the importance of this task force, stating, "Morgan has always been a leader in providing access and opportunity for Black men seeking higher education. The decrease in Black male enrollment at HBCUs is a call to action, and we will not stand idly by." He added, "Our task force will conduct thorough research to understand the underlying factors and develop evidence-based strategies to not only increase enrollment, but also ensure the success and graduation of Black men at Morgan."
To lead this task force, President Wilson has appointed two highly qualified individuals, Mark Barnes and Michael Sinclair. Both are associate professors with Ph.D.s and represent different departments at Morgan. They will work together to co-chair the task force and collaborate with other experts to find effective solutions.
Dr. Sinclair expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating, "This is a critical moment for higher education, and I am honored to be a part of this effort. Addressing the decline in Black male enrollment requires a comprehensive analysis of economic, social, and institutional factors, as well as their impact on Black families and communities." He added, "Our goal is not only to understand the reasons behind this trend, but also to implement meaningful solutions that will empower Black men to see higher education as an achievable and fulfilling path. I am proud to answer President Wilson's call to action and work with my colleagues to ensure that Morgan remains a place where Black men can thrive academically, professionally, and personally."
In an interview with NPR's Juana Summers, Calvin Hadley, an assistant provost at Howard University, passionately advocated for Black men to consider HBCUs as a viable option for their education. Hadley emphasized that attending an HBCU is not just about obtaining a degree, but also about receiving a unique and transformative education. "The education you receive at an HBCU goes beyond the classroom and the relationship with your professors. It exists in the spaces between the lines of textbooks. HBCUs instill a sense of belief in their students," he explained.
Hadley emphasized the importance of this belief in oneself, stating, "HBCUs are designed to instill in you the belief that you can achieve more than you ever thought possible...So when I'm speaking to a young man in 2024, I say come to an HBCU because we need you. Come because you matter. Come because without you, our community suffers." He concluded by urging Black men to consider HBCUs as a valuable and necessary option for their education.
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