81R691 CBE-D

By: Dutton H.C.R. No. 26

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Two recent studies present a grim social and economic forecast for the large pool of young black men in the United States who are tragically disconnected from the American mainstream; and

WHEREAS, In Black Males Left Behind, editor Ronald Mincy, a professor at Columbia University's School of Social Work, concludes that joblessness and low earnings among "disconnected" young black men, in addition to greatly diminishing their own individual chances for success in life, contribute to increases in nonmarital childbearing and a host of other social problems affecting not only the African American community but all Americans; and

WHEREAS, Similarly, in Reconnecting Disadvantaged Young Men, authors Peter Edelman, Harry Holzer, and Paul Offner analyze racial, ethnic, educational, and employment characteristics of young black men, finding that: (1) only half of black men between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school are currently working; (2) roughly one-third of young black men are in jail or prison or on parole or probation at any time; and (3) 10 percent of young black men have been disconnected from school and work for a year or more, and if incarcerated populations are included, the rate rises to 17 percent; and

WHEREAS, A study of young black men in this state would help Texas educators, service providers, and policy makers develop a uniquely Texas approach to addressing what many social scientists believe is America's most significant social problem; and

WHEREAS, The University of Texas at Austin is ideally qualified to lead a study by several Texas public universities on the myriad social and economic issues relating to the number of young black males in Texas between the ages of 14 and 25 who are disconnected from work and family; and

WHEREAS, A leader in social science research, The University of Texas at Austin boasts a School of Social Work that is well known for its contributions to a growing body of knowledge about the human condition, social issues, and service delivery systems to promote the greater public good; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby request The University of Texas at Austin to lead a study by several Texas public universities on the social and economic issues relating to the number of unskilled black males in Texas between the ages of 14 and 25 who are disconnected from work, family, and society; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Tech University, and Texas A&M University also participate in the study, which is to include an examination of how young black men in Texas are affected by the benefits and detriments of living in this state; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the presidents of The University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, Texas Tech University, and Texas A&M University.