The situation of young African American men in the United States is one of crisis. They suffer unemployment rates about double those of white men, in good economic times and bad, and are far more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system. Often they are perceived to be violent and sociopathic. Law and order advocates are satisfied to lock them up and throw away the key without questioning the fairness of the system. The consequences for these men, their families and communities are deeply disturbing. The book chapter summarized here exposes the pervasive racial bias that threatens an entire generation of young men. The author draws on an extensive review of social science literature as well as his own experience as an administrator of and high level advisor to state and local corrections systems.
