Beating the Odds: Raising Academically Successful African American Males

The result of extensive and innovative research, Beating the Odds shows how young African American men have succeeded academically, 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.

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).