The Associated Press has taken on the enormous task of trying to conclude why Black men are struggling in college. After surveying 83 four-year HBCUs, the analysis of government data shows just 29 percent of Black males acquire a bachelor’s degree within six years, challenging the notion that historically Black colleges and universities provide an environment where Black students thrive. HBCUs, like Howard University and Spelman College, overall have much higher graduation rates that exceed the national averages, but the study found that many other HBCUs are among some of the worst-performing colleges in the country. The study factored in obstacles like lower levels of academic preparation, lack of finances and lack of academic support as to the reasons behind the lagging graduation rates for African-American men.—WLW