More than ever, education is the key to success

Academic achievement was always respected by African Americans. Even in the days of slavery, education was desired, although it was often unattainable. It was even unlawful in some states to educate the slaves. Those in power knew that the education of slaves would create a problem of then confining them to an inferior status. Now many are questioning whether college is worthwhile.

The thirst for knowledge is so great that blacks eventually found their way to the university. In the early 20th century, blacks pursued academic fields even though it was unlikely that they would be hired upon graduation. In the 1940s and 1950s it was not unusual to find black graduates of top colleges working as Pullman porters, postal clerks and hospital orderlies.

Despite the professional disappointments the cultural value for higher education remained strong. Now that appropriate positions are available for some well-educated blacks, the question often arises about whether a college education is still worthwhile. The rising cost of college and the staggering debt load of many students provoke the inquiry.

It should be noted that children from more affluent families continue to enroll in the more highly regarded colleges. That indicates the quality of the competition blacks will encounter in the business and professional world. There was a high rate of unemployment of young black college graduates last year — 12.4 percent compared to 4.9 percent for whites. However, in 2007, before the Great Recession, the racial gap was not so great — only 1.4 percent rather than the current 7.5 percent. There is reason to believe employment opportunities will improve when the economy rebounds.

Black commitment to the importance of educational achievement should now be stronger than ever. The only difference is the importance of developing a sound financial strategy to meet the rising costs.