ldunbar@nul.org

Max Smith, (212)558-5371

msmith@nul.org

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S OPPORTUNITY JOURNAL FOCUSES ON

"THE BLACK EDUCATION GENDER GAP: WHO’S MAKING THE GRADE?"

New York, NY, June 1, 2001–The latest issue of Opportunity Journal magazine, the official publication of the National Urban League, features several articles about education issues in the African American community–from gender disparities in completion rates in higher education, to how an alternative Harlem middle and high school is blossoming. Titled, "The Black Education Gender Gap: Who’s Making The Grade?, the issue’s contents include:

Struggle and Triumph by Linda M. Perkins

An historical look at the succession of black women in the world of higher education as they overcome the double whammy of racism and sexism to find individual and group achievement.

Problems in Division by Maida C. Odom

Experience is the teacher in this classroom, and the lesson for today is this: When it comes to higher education, black women are becoming degreed at markedly higher rates than black men.

Advancing by Degrees by Ed Grimm

In increasingly optimistic numbers, African American women are exiting America’s universities with advanced degrees in technology. But there’s still some work to do — as in Science, Engineering and Math.

Home, Sweet School by Peter Slavin

Sometimes, the best education can be found in your own backyard. A look at the practice of home-schooling in the African American community, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.

— more —

The Black Education Gender Gap: Who’s Making The Grade?

Meeting Re-Choir-ments by William I. Dawson

Singing the praises of the Choir Academy of Harlem, a model of alternative education anchored in the arts whose enrollment has grown from 100 students in 1987, to more than 550 today.

Published quarterly, Opportunity Journal focuses on topics of interest to African-Americans and is available for purchase through local Urban League affiliates, or by calling the League directly at (212) 558-5300.

Journalists interested in receiving a copy of the Opportunity Journal "The Black Education Gender Gap: Who’s Making The Grade? Issue, or in arranging interviews with any of the authors, should call media relations assistant Ayanna Hill at (212) 558-5319.

The Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. The National Urban League, headquartered in New York City, spearheads the nonprofit, nonpartisan movement, while Urban League affiliates operate in more than 100 cities in 34 states and the District of Columbia.