In her thought-provoking piece for AfroSapiophile, Dr. Allison Wiltz challenges the often-repeated saying “college isn’t for everybody” and unpacks the systemic realities that make it far more than a personal choice for many young Black men (read on Medium).
While the phrase is sometimes used to promote alternative pathways like trade schools or certifications, Wiltz warns that it can carry dismissive — even racist — undertones. For Black students, particularly Black boys, the educational journey often begins with underfunded primary schools and a disproportionate rate of disciplinary actions, limiting opportunities long before college is even in sight.
The data is stark: Black men are the least likely group in America to earn a college degree. This has sparked debates online, with some pointing to the higher graduation rates of Black women as “proof” that structural barriers don’t exist. Wiltz pushes back, noting that personal responsibility narratives often erase the deep, systemic inequities at play — from school funding models tied to wealth and property taxes, to cultural and institutional biases that compound over time.
Her article urges readers to look beyond surface-level comparisons and ask tougher questions about access, equity, and the hidden costs of systemic neglect.
📖 Full article here: Why Black Men Face So Many Barriers to a College Education – Medium