A doctorate is the highest academic qualification one can obtain in a field of study. This includes honorary doctorates as well as doctorates obtained through research programmes. It denotes knowledge and authority in a particular domain. Nothing inspires more than witnessing a black man cross the stage to receive a doctorate degree when graduation season rolls around.

Men of African descent have lagged behind in achieving this degree of academic rank over the years. A desire of mine has always been to cross the stage at a university graduation to receive my dream, and the dream of countless other men of African descent, a doctorate. Tajay Francis, a young black boy of mixed-race ancestry from Kitson Town, Jamaica, who grew up in poverty while watching his parents do everything in their power to help him achieve this goal.

However, despite all the advancements, it seems that in 2024 we are still lagging behind, with only a small percentage of our brothers reaching this final level of academic status in comparison to other races and ethnic groups.

Malcolm X, a civil rights activist who was killed on February 21, 1965, would have had that as his desire. Sadly, his voice was permanently silenced, preventing him from living to a time when he could have given commencement addresses to countless young black men of African origin who were graduating with advanced master’s or doctoral degrees. Malcolm X’s impact on the lives of young black males could only have been greater had his life not been taken in the way that it was. These days we witness black males like actor, union organiser, lawyer, and single father Hill Harper, a candidate for the US Senate, campaigning in his own unique way for the scholastic achievement of black men.

I pour my heart into every column I write with all my heart, as though I might never be able to write another thought-provoking piece. This is because I want to leave this world a little bit better than I found it. I also want my work, finished or not, to be preserved for future generations of young black men to see and read in the archives and libraries documenting our common experience as black men.

A report titled ‘Doctorate Recipients from US Universities’ published by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2020 states that 1,444 (3.3 per cent) of the 43,511 doctorates given in the country were to black men. A little over 2.2 per cent of research doctorates conferred in the United States in 2020 went to black men, according to the National Science Foundation’s 2022 report on doctorate winners.

As stated by the Black Male Researchers and Professors Collective (BMPRC), black people obtained 5.6 per cent of all doctorates in 2019. Merely 35.7 per cent of all black doctorate recipients were men. Over the previous 10 years, there has been no change in the gender disparity in African American doctoral degree awards. As a result, the number of black professors is low. According to the vice-chancellor’s 2022-2023 report to the council, just 31.4 per cent of all students at The University of West Indies are men. Nevertheless, a breakdown of recipients by race or ethnicity is not provided in the report.

Black people’s academic paths have been permanently altered by the legacy of institutional racism in education. The historical context is important to understand, because it includes things like economically disparate barriers. Access to high-quality education has proven to be disproportionately difficult for black men in particular. The stark under-representation of black men in PhD programmes is one way the legacy of these injustices is still present. Even with advancements in civil rights, reaching the highest level of academic success is still difficult.

The majority of students who enrol in higher education are still white men, especially those pursuing doctorates.

The journey to a doctoral degree begins long before the graduate application process. Structural inequalities in primary and secondary education set the stage for disparities in higher education. Schools in predominantly black and low-income neighbourhoods often suffer from underfunding, which translates to fewer resources, larger class sizes, and limited access to advanced coursework. To counteract this, significant investment in the education infrastructure of underserved communities is essential. This includes:

*Equitable funding for schools: Governments must ensure that schools in black communities receive funding comparable to those in more affluent areas. This includes modern facilities, updated textbooks, and access to technology.

*Teacher training and support: Teachers in these schools should receive robust training in culturally responsive pedagogy and be provided with continuous professional development opportunities.

*Early exposure to research: Initiatives that expose students to research and academic careers from an early age can inspire and prepare them for future doctoral studies. Summer programmes, research internships, and science fairs are crucial.

Community support plays a vital role in fostering academic aspirations. Black men need to see role models who have traversed the path to doctoral success. Community-based programmes and organisations can provide:

*Mentorship programmes: Establishing mentorship programmes that connect black doctoral students and professionals with young black men can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice.

*Academic and career counselling: Accessible counselling services that offer personalised academic and career planning can help students navigate the complex pathway to doctoral programmes.

*Parental and community involvement: Engaging parents and community leaders in the educational process helps build a support system that values and encourages academic achievement.

The financial burden of doctoral education is a significant barrier for many black men. To alleviate this, targeted financial support is necessary:

*Scholarships and fellowships: Creating and expanding scholarships and fellowships specifically for black men can reduce the economic barriers to pursuing doctoral studies.

*Paid research opportunities: Providing paid research assistant positions and internships can offer financial support while also giving students valuable experience and professional connections.

*Loan forgiveness programmes: Implementing loan forgiveness programmes for those who commit to careers in academia or research can reduce the long-term financial risks associated with doctoral education.

Higher education institutions must actively work to create inclusive environments that support black doctoral students:

*Diversity and inclusion offices: Universities should have dedicated offices focused on promoting diversity and inclusion. These offices can offer resources, support services, and advocacy for black students.

*Curriculum revisions: Incorporating diverse perspectives and authors into the curriculum can help create a more inclusive academic environment.

*Bias training and awareness: Regular training on implicit bias and cultural competency for faculty and staff can foster a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for black doctoral students.

*Recruitment and retention strategies: Institutions must implement targeted recruitment strategies to attract black men to doctoral programmes and provide retention support such as peer networks, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.

Many will argue that columns like these are too racially charged and should be ignored, but it is my view that we must be able to point out areas of improvement within the black community and create a better, more equitable world for future generations.

mrtajayfrancis@gmail.com