Virginia State University John Mercer Langston Institute Uncovers Critical Economic Challenges Facing Black Men And Boys In New Report
The report establishes a new national benchmark to inform policy, strengthen institutions, and expand opportunity.
Black men and boys continue to face significant barriers to educational attainment, employment, earnings, and long-term economic mobility, according to a landmark report released by the Virginia State University John Mercer Langston Institute for African American Political Leadership. The inaugural edition of The Economic State of Black Men and Boys in the United States establishes the foundation for an annual research series designed to provide policymakers, educators, employers, and community leaders with a national benchmark for measuring progress and informing action.
Authored by Dr. Wes Bellamy, Executive Director of the VSU Langston Institute and Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration at VSU, the report combines federal data with more than a year of research and community engagement to provide policymakers, educators, employers, and community leaders with a comprehensive look at trends in education, employment, earnings, wealth, and economic mobility.
Among its findings, the report shows Black men's share of enrollment at historically Black colleges and universities has declined to 26 percent, Black workers continue to experience the nation's highest unemployment rate among major racial and ethnic groups, and Black men earn approximately 77 cents for every dollar earned by White men. It also offers evidence-informed recommendations to strengthen educational opportunity, workforce participation, and long-term economic success.
"Communities cannot solve what they do not measure," said Dr. Bellamy. "This report establishes a baseline for accountability, not only for government, but for universities, employers, nonprofits, and all of us who care about the future of Black men and boys."
Released during the 2026 BlackPrint Leadership Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia, the report underscores the connection between research, leadership, and community impact. As the inaugural publication in the Langston Institute's Black Men and Boys Research Series, future editions will track national trends and measure progress over time.