Barriers to education faced by incarcerated and formerly incarcerated African American men

After reviewing the rather limited research on African American male incarcerated and formerly incarcerated males, and their access to higher education in the state of New Jersey, this study examines the barriers to education for the African American male incarcerated and formerly incarcerated through interviews with 12 individuals. The study utilizes narrative research and critical race theory. One of the detailed narratives illuminates the full experience of an individual who was repeatedly incarcerated and ultimately obtained an advanced education. Other individuals reported details of inadequate K-12 education, the flood of the community with drugs, the lack of availability of education within the prison system, and other factors. The study concludes with a series of recommendations.