In a compelling episode of Common Sense with Dr. Cole, Dr. Charles Cole III addresses a quiet crisis: the steep decline in Black male enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—now at its lowest point in over 50 years. But instead of finger-pointing, Dr. Cole calls for deeper reflection: Are these institutions still homes for Black men, or just symbols we cling to out of tradition?
Dr. Cole, an educator, author, and former first-gen college student himself, shares both personal insight and lived experience. He highlights that many young Black men feel alienated on campuses that claim to celebrate Black excellence. For them, HBCUs often feel performative, critical of Black masculinity, and disconnected from real-world challenges.
The problem isn’t laziness or apathy—it’s disconnection. Promised support often falls short, financial aid doesn’t line up, and cultural misalignment drives young men away. “People go where they feel wanted,” Dr. Cole states plainly. Too often, Black men don’t feel that from HBCUs.
So what’s the solution? Dr. Cole offers real steps:
Reform K–12 education and how we engage Black boys early.
Ensure college feels accessible and worthwhile.
Hire faculty who understand, or at least respect, Black male identity.
At home, be mindful—how children see their parents talk about each other matters.
Offer meaningful mental health support without lowering expectations.
Most importantly, equip young Black men with the tools and mentors to succeed—and the understanding that while the system may not be fair, their power lies in how they navigate it.
Dr. Cole’s message is clear: it's time to build better, not beg for entry. If the doors our ancestors fought to open now feel closed again, the response isn’t despair—it’s agency.
As he closes, he leaves us with this challenge: With more resources than ever before, why are we still stuck in conversations our ancestors would’ve hoped we’d outgrow? It’s time to evolve—not just the conversation, but the system itself.
Share this post