[madprof98]

In addition to "competing" with these influences, today's parents also face another challenge: the prospect of raising their children alone. According to U.S. Census data, nearly two-thirds of black households are led by single parents, usually a single mother.

This is more than "another challenge": it's the heart of the problem facing African-Americans today. Black kids will continue to lag in every area except criminality unless somebody comes up with a better solution than tighter child-support laws and more flextime for working moms.

[billhilly]

Amen to that. Ironically, the same bad influences described here are usually exhibited by the parents. Fathers in name only, mothers with children having different fathers.

"Daddy brought me a bicycle for Christmas and shot the MF who was riding it."

To that very small percentage of two parent black families, my hat is off to you. You also have a very steep hill to climb. The government is not your friend either.