AbstractsWomens Studies

The school-to-prison pipeline has become a reality that is all too familiar in the lives of African American males. Many of these males come from fatherless single-parent households in which their mothers are the sole providers. Academically, many African American male students in the United States are struggling. Poor academic success is often the antithesis to behavioral problems, truancy, juvenile delinquency, and can even lead to criminal behavior. This study will examine historical and contemporary literature that focuses on societal and familial problems African American male students have been forced to deal with in the United States. These problems will be highlighted in an effort to explain how many of the negative beliefs concerning African American males were prevalent in the past and continue to persist in today???s society. These negative beliefs will be debunked through interview data from three mother-son dyads that were successful in defying the odds and producing academically successful African American male students. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that lead to the academic success of African American males who come from single-parent households headed by mothers. Advisors/Committee Members: Sampson, Dr. Greg (advisor), Dailey, Dr. Ardella (primaryAdvisor).