Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195102193 ISBN 13: 9780195102192

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1998

Today, young Black men are more likely to be killed or sent to prison than to graduate from college. Yet, despite all the obstacles, some are achieving at the highest academic and professional levels.
Beating the Odds tells their remarkable stories and shows us what African American families have done to raise academically successful sons, sons who are among the top two percent of African American males in terms of SAT scores and grades. The result of extensive and innovative research, Beating the Odds goes beyond mere analysis--and beyond the relentlessly negative media images--to show us precisely how young Black men can succeed despite the roadblocks of racism, the temptations of crime and drugs, and a popular culture that values being "cool" over being educated. By interviewing parents and children from a range of economic and educational backgrounds and from both single and two-parent homes, the authors identify those constants that contribute to academic achievement and offer step-by-step guidance on six essential strategies for effective parenting: child-focused love; strong limit-setting and discipline; continually high expectations; open, consistent, and strong communication; positive racial identity and positive male identity; and full use of community resources. The proof of the effectiveness of such strategies is in the sons themselves, who speak eloquently in these pages about their struggles and successes in both the classroom and the often hostile world that surrounds it.
Essential reading for parents, teachers, and school administrators, Beating the Odds offers insight, guidance, and hope for anyone concerned about the plight of young African American men and the society they live in.

About the Author:

Freeman A. Hrabowski, III, is President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He serves as a consultant to the National Science Foundation, National Academy of Sciences, and the National Institutes of Health on math and science education, and sits on numerous corporate and civic boards. Kenneth I. Maton is Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Director of the Community-Social Ph.D. Program in Human Services Psychology, and President-Elect of the Society for Community Research and Action, Division 27 of the American Psychological Association. He has coauthored or coedited three previous books, and has published widely in the areas of minority youth development and education, community psychology, self-help groups, and religion. Geoffrey L. Greif is Associate Dean and Professor in the School of Social Work, University of Maryland. He is the author of six books, including Single Fathers, Mothers Without Custody, and Out of Touch (OUP).

Review:

"Beating the Odds is a thoughtful examination of what parents and others who care for and about African-American males (and all children) can do to ensure that they succeed in school and in life."--The Washington Post

"Beating the Odds is a crucial book.... For black parents concerned about their son's academic achievement it is crucial reading, as it is for everyone concerned about the general decline in American education."-- the Sun

"Can any American look at the dreadful number of young, Black men we are losing and not feel shame and horror? In this fascinating study, often in the words of the young people and families interviewed, we are reminded that every child can and must be given the tools for `beating the odds.'"--Marian Wright Edelman, President, The Children's Defense Fund

"Students will still be able to identify with, and hear echoes of themselves in , the individual testimony that forms the bulk of this work."--Booklist

"Beating the Odds offers guidelines as well as specific examples that will be valuable to educators and parents who want to promote excellence in their children...the parents whose voices are heard here offer lessons that can be applied in any family."--Publishers Weekly

"Beating the Odds relates wonderful stories of parents striving successfully to raise academically high-achieving African-American boys who are encouraged to excel in college and subsequently go on to elite graduate and professional schools in mathematics, medicine, science, and engineering."--Black Issues in Higher Education

"Beating the Odds goes beyond mere analysis of relentlessly negative media images to show us precisely how young Black men can succeed despite the debilitating affects of racism, crime as a social and economic alternative, and drugs as a rite of passage.... Essential reading for parents, teachers and school administrators, Beating the Odds offers insight, guidance and hope for anyone concerned about the plight of young African-American men and the societies they live in."--Black Employment Review

"Beating the Odds is undoubtedly one of the most important tools the African American parent can possess. This inspirational text reconceptualizes the falsely perpetuated image of the black male and introduces us to the fundamental elements needed to help our young men achieve academic excellence."--Kweisi Mfume, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

"I will treasure this book and the guidance and inspiration it will give me in pursuing the cause of high standards for all students."--Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland

"Dr. Hrabowski's tremendous contributions as an educator and administrator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Country demonstrates that young African American men, given the opportunity and encouragement to succeed, can indeed 'beat the odds.' His book is invaluable for anyone seeking to help minority students overcome the historical barriers they face to higher education and career success, which is essential for the long term economic well-being of our nation. I congratulate Dr. Hrabowski and his colleagues and share the pride of the entire University System of Maryland in their valuable and timely contribution addressing a critical national need."--Parris N. Glendenning, Governor of Maryland