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Here is good news on black student college graduation rates but a huge racial gap persists --- Nationwide, the black student college graduation rate remains at a dismally low 44 percent. But the college completion rate has improved by five percentage points over the past four years. As ever, the overall black-white gap in college graduation rates remains very large at 19 percentage points. But there is improvement in black student college completion rates at many of the nation’s highest-ranked colleges and universities, at state-operated flagship universities, and at a large number of historically black colleges and universities.

Reactions to Barack Obama’s Address on Race Relations --- Following Barack Obama's March 18, 2008 speech on the current state of race relations in this country, JBHE examines the impact and response from supporters and critics alike.

Barack Obama is the Superior Choice for African-American Voters --- For the first time in the history of our country, a black man has a credible chance of becoming president of the United States. (Downloadable PDF)

Once Again, a Decline in Doctoral Degree Awards  to African Americans --- After 20 years of almost uninterrupted progress, the number of blacks earning doctoral degrees has declined for the second year in a row.

Ivy League Generosity Will Lure Affluent and Brightest Black Students Away From State Universities --- Harvard and Yale have both announced new financial aid initiatives that will provide substantial aid to families with incomes as high as $200,000. These plans are likely to attract enrollments of high-achieving black students from relatively affluent families who in the past have chosen to enroll at more affordable flagship state universities.

The Black-White Divide in Cultural Pursuits --- Blacks are generally less likely than whites to attend or participate in cultural activities such as the theater, opera, art, or ballet. The higher education gap between the races explains some of the differences. But even among blacks and whites with a college education, a significant cultural gap exists.