Was that it!!! That wasn't even 5 minutes, I hope the future segments have more to report than what I saw!!

Good overall piece.I am glad the black men did not get disrespected. Black men and  black woman really have to learn to work together.Separation is not helping the situation. There are serious issues between black men and woman that need to be resolved before than can move forward as a group.

I am leary also of the continued effort to dehumanize black men, even if it is by highlighting or in this case comparing us to Black men.  Black people as awhole are always compared to, but our culture is never allowed to define itself without regard to other cultures.  Then we add further insult to injury by giving us a one-up on OUR men.

I dated a black man for 3 years and have been married to him for 25.  He is good-looking, educated, goes to work EVERY DAY, has never been in the judicial system, has great credit, and is faithful to me.  I have one daughter in college and another on the way to college and I tell them constantly to expect any man they date to have qualities like their father: one who seriously sets and actively pursues his goals & ambitions.

I also have a full time job but my black man's discipline and financial saavy has made our "good life" possible.  My girls tease their dad about being "corny" because his kind is not celebrated in pop culture--but I know they are paying attention!  

Being a native East Texan, I was delighted that Dr. Haywood Strickland, president of Wiley College, was interviewed on this topic.
African American women have always been the backbone of the family and the community. This is nothing new.
As an educator in a predominantly white school district, I always encourage my African American students to excel. I tell them that "if they think they are beaten, they are. Because success begins with your state of mind".  
This series will generate a lot of discussion.  Thanks NBC news.

I would like to make a comment about the other blogger’s suggestion to keep the series focused on black women without involving black men.  I think it is nearly impossible to mention where black women stand today without acknowledgement of a contributing factor--man.  After all, we are women, derived from “wo-man”—we are the product of a man and woman.  The economic and demographic shifts that we are experiencing today are impacted by the presence and/or absence of a man and that impact is a multi-generational cycle.  The impact is also influenced by the type of parenting.
Black men are sparse in college, in the corporate/entrepreneurial work environments and the church.  When a black woman pursues education and accumulates knowledge and skills to increase her economic empowerment in the corporate or entrepreneurial arena, and continue to nurture her spirituality in the church (a venue that promotes family) and the black man is not present throughout these phases…..then black men are  left behind.  
If black men are not present in college (and seriously pursue academics) for  aspiring black women to meet, then they will seldom progress to being thriving entrepreneurs or corporate contributors which could increase their financial security to buy a home, marry their Nubian queen, provide and invest for their family and generations to come.
On the flip side, there are some black men out there who are present throughout those various phases in life (college, corporate America/entrepreneurship, and the church), but many of them are not interested in black women, especially women with a dark complexion—as that is still not the symbol that they have truly made it.  
We cannot ignore the startling statistic that there is high rate of black women who have never been married and who may never marry an eligible black man—not because they don’t want to, but because black men of equal or greater footing is scarce.

As a young man, my mother taught me to respect a woman, not to raise a hand to harm her, and to protect her. My father modeled that advice.  Now, as a father, additionally I have learned to cherish my woman and to hold her in highest regard as my partner. Continually, I have noticed that my wife of 23 years has out smarted, out achieved, and out done any endeavor embarked upon. I do believe that black men eventually realize this, but find themselves too weak to stand against the onslaught of media and hip hop models of being a "playa" to appreciate the romance that the black woman has had with our race.  She will defend her race to the death, never gives up or sells out her offspring no matter how bad the situation, and yearns for the oneness of a black man regardless of his under achievement. If black women were to give up on our under achievement, it would mean the end of black America. You ladies are doing your jobs. The problem, lies with black men. Much work needs to be done.

I would like to contact the young lady featured in monday's telecast

Unfortunately not all of us were prepared for the possibility, or probability, of living a lifetime without a husband.  I'm a 33 year-old single, African-American woman. And my mother and I have never had this conversation. My parents have been married for over 30 years; I honestly believe my mom expected things would happen "naturally" for me as they did for her.  However I've graduated college, landed a well-paying job, and purchased a home -- all with no wedding day in between.  And the same is true for most of my girlfriends.  I fear this series will only confirm things I already feel and know to be true...

I am a black female divorced, professional and  business owner.I feel that women should keep high morals and not settle for men that do not support there beliefs just because there is a shortgage.

I also agree that women should practice strong parenting skills. It is know excuse for being single and your kids turn out to be a disgrace to society.

I was divorced when my son and daughter was very young and they both are happy, highly educated, warm caring young and responsible.

I used the bible as my guide.

Will tonight's piece be re-broadcast?  If not, what time can I tune in the rest of the week?  I heard this series being discussed on Morgan State University's radio station WEAA, but missed the show tonight. Although I'm happy to see NBC allowing airtime for our issues, I'd much rather see local communities, churches, schools address these topics in more personal settings that allow for real healing.

The reasons for the disparities between black women and men lead directly to slavery and the efforts of the dominant community to divide and conquer.  Until this society faces the atrocities of slavery and gets over its fear of black men our society will be divided along racial lines.  Black women are not viewed as threatening as black men and are therefore more accepted.  The government should concentrate on sending black males to college  or training programs rather than prison.

This is a very good discussion.  Comtemporary men and women have significant differences just as men and women have always had, regardless of race.  Nevertheless, when discussing "African-American Women:  Where They Stand", it is very relavant to look at our connection to Black men.  However, if the precarious situation that we, as Black women, find ourselves is ever to improve it is imperitive that we raise our self-esteem as women, affirm our self-worth, and embrace those who do see our beauty and embrace us.  If our Black brothers have been brain washed by the media, and society to believe that Black women are "bitches" and "hoes", it is their loss.  We must move on. Move on to become successful with our choices in life such as career women, wives, and mothers.  The women are powerful people.  We raise the sons and daughters.  We are their first teachers and role-models.  It is the better when their fathers are by our side.  But, until Brothers re-educate themselves and tune out society's description of their women, we must continue to be the beautiful proud creatures God created us to be.  This is a wonderful discussion to reaffirm who we are.

When I awoke this morning, I was a black woman. A proud black woman.  More importantly, I was simply a woman.  Like most women, black , white or brown,  I am sure that I face similar issues.  Why do we as a collective group of people always utilize race as a separation factor.    We allow people to study us as though we are some inebriated lab rats on display and our accomplishments are out of the ordinary.  For the record, my mother never told me that I  may have to take care of myself without a husband so it's imperative that I develop skills.   What I do recall my mother telling me is that I was smart and gifted and I could accomplish whatever I believed in.   Nothing more, nothing less.

Has it occurred to anyone that the disparity between black men and black women may have to do with the number of black girl babies born vs. black boy babies.   Looking at my own family tree, females in my family outnumber the males 3 to 1.  I’m sure that there are other factors.

This is a very good discussion.  Comtemporary men and women have significant differences just as men and women have always had, regardless of race.  Nevertheless, when discussing "African-American Women:  Where They Stand", it is very relavant to look at our connection to Black men.  However, if the precarious situation that we, as Black women, find ourselves is ever to improve it is imperitive that we raise our self-esteem as women, affirm our self-worth, and embrace those who do see our beauty and embrace us.  If our Black brothers have been brain washed by the media, and society to believe that Black women are "bitches" and "hoes", it is their loss.  We must move on. Move on to become successful with our choices in life such as career women, wives, and mothers.  The women are powerful people.  We raise the sons and daughters.  We are their first teachers and role-models.  It is the better when their fathers are by our side.  But, until Brothers re-educate themselves and tune out society's description of their women, we must continue to be the beautiful proud creatures God created us to be.  This is a wonderful discussion to reaffirm who we are.

Nice to know we, Black Women, are being seen nationally in a positive light as a strong and well educated group. I think one of the reasons we excel is do in large part to the fact that we cant just give up and make excuses. We need to keep moving on for the sake of our families. I have always pushed my sons to be the best they can, make no excuses for their shortcomings as they can only blame themselves. To stay in school and to always remember knowledge is power and no one can ever take away from you the education you have earned.  

This should be an informative program. My question though is why is the time not displayed anywhere on these advertisements...? Even on the webcast snippet, there are no times to tell people when to watch.  This may be a mistake, but it's definitely a problem...People don't know when to watch. Is this supposed to be a webcast only or what. please someone from MSNBC read these comments asking for a TIME. The local listings aren't clear at all. I'm in DC...fyi.

I have a problem with the fact that black women’s problems/successes are talked about in conjunction with black men.  The need not be such a close connection between black men and women.   Black women have made significant progress in America despite having a more difficult road to travel.   That being said I think there are two things black women areas black women need to address.   First they have an irrational preference for black men, by this I mean even though black men are far behind black women, black women feel compelled partner up with black men who tend to clearly be below them.   Black women need to opt out and find quality partners regardless of race.  Secondly is black women’s excessive promotion of “big black and beautiful.”    Black women have obesity rates far beyond any racial gender group and that is a BIG reason why black women tend not to be sex symbols in our society.

I really thought this was supposed to be about Black Women....They should have called it "Black Men in America: Where Do They Stand."  It is so frustrating that everytime discussions on Black women are brought up, someone, somewhere takes the focus off Black women and puts it on Black men.  It's all fine and dandy if the conversation was on gender relations in the Black community, but I thought the focus was on Black women.

Nothing new was discussed.  I have read it all before.  Discussions on just Black women has nothing to do with disrespecting Black men!!  It is about showing Black women some respect.

Society has left black women with no choice but to succeed because we are so focused on making excuses for the short-comings of black men.

The problem for the black man started in the 70's when quotas were first enforced.  I am a white man who was in management at the time.  Women and Blacks were lumped together for quota calculations, so if you hired a black man, you got 1 point, if you hired a white woman, you got 1 point, but if you hired a BLACK WOMAN you got 2 points!  Guess what??  Black women were hire by the droves leaving the black man behind.  The African-American community has suffered for decades because of quotas while black politicians keep hammering for MORE quotas.

If you want to solve the problem, give 3 points for a black man!

It is time to get this dirty little secret out in the open.

Thank you NBC for this week of coverage.  I am so glad it is airing now and not in Febuary!
I am a medical professional and I so blessed to be married to a wonderful blue collar, hard working African American man who loves the Lord. Ladies do not compromise and seek God for a husband, while you waite get involved in your community, start a foundation. Black women are really standing up in many places and doing it well.  I am proud to be a black women.  We can do anything!  Our men can too,  they just don't all believe it yet.  We will get there.  So ladies encourage a brotha today.

It seems like the timing couldn't be any better for this series. We are going to have lots to talk about.

Black Women are moving forward and onward no doubt and we should be commended and not have to feel guilty about any advancement that we make whether it be for our own individual selves or for the betterment of family and community. And yes we may still have issues, concerns that need to be addressed but that doesn't mean we have to stop striving for excellence.

I am not taking anything away from our brothers we need them on different levels just like they need us whether they want to announce it in public or not. Just like we expect our daughters to excel with higher expectations we have to do the same with our sons without a doubt.

We are a royal people; and when we understand that; together we will be able to build even bigger mountains and close those gaps of separation together instead of apart.

And if the black man doesn't understand the beauty that we hold then you know what we have to keep doing it for ourselves.

"For years, Black women have told their daughters they may have to take care of themselves without a husband so it's imperative that young women develop skills."

This is why i cringe every time i hear something in the media about black women.  I love my sistas, yet in every story, they always throw salt at the brothas.  

The overall tone of this article and many like it throws black men into a negative light, beginning in the first paragraph.  This subtle message continues to plague the media and popular opinion--that black men are "boogie men" whom are pretty much dead weight to the community, while black women are professional, astute and are left single because of it.

I'm tired of it.  Moreover, the article contradicts itself.  On one hand it states:

"And the huge achievement gap between African-American women and men is astounding."

but later it refutes that by saying:
"And according to the Center for Women's Business Research, as of 2006 just 5 percent of companies owned by Black women had employees, versus 10 percent for Black men.  Annual revenue averaged $29,000 compared to $77,000 for Black men."

So explain to me, how is it that the achievement gap is growing with black women ahead of the curve, while at the same time, black men are ahead of the curve?  Huh?  Yeah, exactly.

While I love my sistas, I despise the notion that we (black men) bear the brunt of the negativity that we are the undesirables whom are dragging their heels behind black women.  Because truth be told--for every hardworking black woman who's struggling on her own after a man left her and her kids high and dry, there is a professional black man who takes care of his family, donates to his alma mater and mentors black children.  For every deadbeat brotha is a chickenhead black woman.  Lets stop dehumanizing and "villanizing" brothas.

To the author and the rest of the media, stop pigeonholing us.  

Thanks.

This is the first time I have heard anything positive on African American women. African American women are more independent than ever. They need to be acknowledged for their success. African American women have raised children independently from the beginning of time. African American women in the past relied on men to assist them financially,but now we are empowered to take care of ourselves by becoming more educated on business and politics. It will be intersting to see the direction African American will go i the next ten years. I am glad to be apart of this discussion, and the women from the reports this week empower  and motivate me.

I'm a black woman at 60 years old and I've seen so much it's scary. As for your report well I only have life lessons to go by. When I was young I had the hopes and dreams of the words JFK told us. We were Americans not black/white but just Americans. For some reason my family didn't die of most illnesses listed today. My grandmother lived until she was 99 years old. My Mother is 85 years old and doing well. My family member who have died none of the woman ever had cancer or any major illnesses.  As I'm one of the millions of Black Americans who can't find a job if I get sick I have no insurance.  I'm praying that Hillary can get in and put the Universal Health Care in place.  I was much younger when Hillary tried to set the Health Care Plan up during the Clinton years as money was available.  I really didn't think about it as I was working and had full health benefits, but she knew what I didn't, I would one day need Health insurance.  I have resolved to the fact that if I get sick I will be left to die. Unlike people like Mrs. Edwards I wouldn't get treatment for cancer. The victims of Katrina showed proof of what's it's like to be a poor Black American. Now if I was a favorite of the White House and foreign I'm have a better chance. My daughter has a small business, daughter two served in the US Military and both of my sons are just trying to make a living and keep those noses clean. None of the boys have ever been in trouble. My older son was coming from work at Universal Studios when the LA police attacked him as they mistook him for a 5 foot black man but my son is 6 feet. I asked him why didn't he speak up he said a black man would get killed for talking. My oldest daughter handled the problem and sued the LA police and won. It's still hard being black in America. With this current Administration bringing back the past I can only say pray for God's help.  It is nice to see NBC do a report on Black women as it is important just as other groups.

I wish someone would list the time that these series are being broadcasted as my friends & I would like to hear the series.

Honestly, black women have no choice but to take care of themselves and their children.  Black men are known for walking out on black women, which leads me to believe that this is one reason black woman are getting more education.  I wish more black woman would shoot for the stars.  There are many state programs out there, but 1st black women have to dig deep inside and discover that they have a lot to offer society.

Also, society should stop labeling black women as women with attitudes.  ALL women have freedom of speech and do so as they please, yet, black women are the ones that are labeled!

I like the segment and love the idea.  We just need more time.  In light of the hour Bill Cosby and Dr. Pouissant took on Meet the Press about all that is wrong with the Black community in general, three to five minutes is just not long enough.  Check out my commentary and post at the blog Why Black Women Are Angry.  Good effort and idea, NBC.

Very educational. Looking forward to the next few Days! Let's start taking better care of ourselves and that of our Mothers, Sisters, and Daughters.  www.sparkpeople.com/aaw

I do not advocate separating the plight of the Black man from that of the Black woman, but I do resent how popular media uses the successes of Black women to highlight the perceived shortcomings of the Black man!  As an educated Black woman who is on track to excel professionally, I appreciate being acknowledged, but we have to be careful of allowing others to use our gains to beat down our men.

Thanks for opening the opportunity for dialogue NBC.  I look forward to the conversations that will come.

I have a problem with the fact that black women’s problems/successes are talked about in conjunction with black men.  The need not be such a close connection between black men and women.   Black women have made significant progress in America despite having a more difficult road to travel.   That being said I think there are two things black women areas black women need to address.   First they have an irrational preference for black men, by this I mean even though black men are far behind black women, black women feel compelled partner up with black men who tend to clearly be below them.   Black women need to opt out and find quality partners regardless of race.  Secondly is black women’s excessive promotion of “big black and beautiful.”    Black women have obesity rates far beyond any racial gender group and that is a BIG reason why black women tend not to be sex symbols in our society.

This was nothing more than the traditional black woman chat that drives African American women away from main stream.  I used to think it was only in the "community" that black female progress would be undermined, devalued, and treated as nothing more than an insult to black men.  Now, it's clear more than ever that the mainstream has defined us as  people in purely misogynistic terms.  With what other group could female college rates and achievement be viewed as a problem besides with black women?

If you want insight into the state of black women, look towards the biased interpretation of justice we see in NBC and other stations.  Compare black men who molest black girl children or any one who molests black girl children to those who molest white children.  Black women don't get raped, they don''t get molested, they don't get kidnapped, they don't invent, and they don't save lives- according to mainstream media.  So, why the hell can't you let us alone to get our measly little undergraduate degrees?

As a white single mom of bi-racial children and very involved in 1) Supplier diversity and 2) working with my school district to help close the acheivement gap of black and brown students (PASS) - I find this topic very interesting and hopefuly a topic that will continue to be discussed.  Sometimes we need to unlearn some of our thinking and the way we have done things in the past.  It's time we all - black, white, male or female to step up to the plate and do what is best for our children and helping them form thier future in society without any color or gender barriers.

In response to the conversations around the shortage of Black Men.....

There is no shortage of Black Men on the Planet.  In my travels to the African Diaspora, there is an abundance of Black Men.  What we need to question is our immigration policies.  Why are the conditions for black men from other countries so difficult or in some cases inhumane when attempting to get a visa to enter the USA.  I thought that it was because of the polices set in that country; however, it is really because of how the USA has things set up in that country.  If someone were to research the rate of which black men from other countries apply to enter the USA or to move here; and how many visa are approved for whatever reason verse the rate in which non-black males (non-blacks of any gender) are approved, and it was shared to the entire American Public, especially the black community – I think you would find an alarming disparity.  Similar to not letting the Haitians enter the US, yet we let the Cubans and Hispanics stay.  Why is there such a huge disparity in the agenda when it comes to letting black men into the USA.   If the black men from other countries were allowed in, I assert that the ratio of black men to black women would be much smaller and it would provide the vehicle to strengthen the black family dynamics so we wouldn’t have so many black families without a father in the household.  Food For Thought.

So far this is a very interesting and eye opening report for those that don't see what is going on around them. I am a 38 year old African American male from NYC. I am in the computer business which takes me to many different companies in my area. What I have seen is Black women in the office, managerial positions working alongside asian and white men and women. There were a few black males sprinkled here and there in those offices but most worked in the mailroom.
I have seen this trend COUNTLESS times while I work on servers and talk with clients about their systems. This disparity in employment and education between black men and women has now moved to the dating arena. Sistah's who in the past were not even thinking about dating a white or asian man are now looking at the interracial couples they pbass by and are having second thoughts.
One interesting thing a black woman said in the interview with her white husband was from what I remember was this;
"Looking to date/marry someone based on their race is not something I wanted to do, it just happened I found love with a white man"
This is the black woman that placed an ad on Craigslist of a single black woman looking for a single white male. The narrator said this as they were showing their picture together and also stated they got married in central park. I think either she made a mistake when she said that because, not to knock her in any way but, isnt that what she did? Looked to date a man first based on his race???

I enjoyed this segment, seeing black women branching outside their box. For so long we were told that no one loved our large full lips, thick hips and thighs, brown toasted skin, etc. Why should we be denied of happens, no matter the color. I am a 43 year old woman, single mother, and ready for something new, ready to give love a try. If GOD sends love my way and he happens to be Mexican, Irish, Italian, etc. I refuse to tell GOD "no", I will accept my blessing with open arms.

Very informative, this must be shared with family members, church members and the like. Looking forward to Series. Come post with us at www.sparkpeople.com/aaw

I think it is important for America to realize that black women are good for other things besides being in rap videos and being symbol of abuse in rap lyrics. As a black college student i do see as a attend classes the lack of black men in campus, but i do not blame the men, I blame society for not praising our black men when they accomplish good deeds. i blame record labels for allowing the over usage of guns, and drugs in rap lyrics. Nothing in this life is going to stop me from getting my education. Hopefully in time a bridge can be gaped between black men and women so we can become a more unitfy race like our foe fathers in slavery and when we begun seeking civil rights..

Thanks to NBC for daring to cover this topic.  This series is necessary to highlight the struggle of AA women in America.

Thanks for this information!  It's about time that relevant and significant attention was given to the plight of black women.  Why do we have such high degrees of killer disease in our ranks?  I don't believe it's heredity as much as environmental and social.  Yes, we can improve our diets, but for years a number of southern whites ate (and still eat) the same way we do.  Why such a large difference in health and longevity?

This is my take - we don't get the support that we need from our men.  I'm not bashing, I'm not angry, I'm not upset - I've long let all of that go.  I'm just giving you my honest take on the matter.  We are incredibly strong women, but we are not superwomen.  We were not meant to bear the weight of the family by ourselves.  And the truth of the matter is, for many of us who have male companionship either in the form of a husband, boyfriend, or live-in partner, if their are children involved, we still carry the weight of the family - mentally, emotionally, and yes spiritually.  This is not what it was meant to be.  

We are in need of God more than ever.  There was a time when I never consider dating or marrying a man outside of our race.  Growing up I remember being so proud of being a black girl.  I thought we were all that and then some.  There was no people like us.  We were so unique and rich and full of flavor and life.  We did everything with such attitude and love.  

Poor black people still had a sense of pride and dignity and tried to instill some home training in their children.  It was the worst thing in the world for a child to go out in the street and bring shame on his/her parent by not being respectful and carrying themselves in a certain way. They may have been poor, but they were not "ghetto".  That was the beauty of "Good Times".  Poor black people facing the burdens of life with dignity and humor.   Now I find myself wondering what is going to come of us and feeling ashamed of what a segment of our community has become.  

Advice for black women: As an attractive,intelligent, educated black woman, I too wanted a black man to share my life with ,but many of those I met didn't share my diverse outlook in life, and were not driven to succeed. I crossed 'black'off my list, and while I was in college, dated white, Hispanic, and black men from other parts of the world. I am not of a light complexion, and have full features, yet men from other cultures liked me.  I ended up being happily married to a Caribbean man who's very intelligent, and successful. I believe that men in general look at women who are confident,come across as friendly(not hard or arrogant), and of course attractive. Typically they do not like women who are too overweight(which is a problem for many of us-let's be real). Also,I think our society in general limits ourselves too much by looking at someone's race. The divorce rate in our country is high, but it's higher in the black community.  Focus on getting a life partner who fits you if that's what you really want, not just someone who fits some kind of image people expect you to have.

On male and female children: I have one of each, but we invest equal amounts of energy into them both.  Our expectations are high, and at 9 and 12, the know they are going to college. I believe having a united mother and father to support them is key. Many young black males today I feel, live in homes led by single mothers who do the best they can, but male children need fathers and/or strong consistent male role models.
Fascinated, I watch the interactions between my son and husband, and know that it's nothing I could have done to duplicate that. Male bonding is critical for boys.  If they don't get it from a young age at home or by a positive mature male in the community, they seek it from other males, or take that energy elsewhere, lose focus in life, and get into trouble. Because black females aren't lured by the streets, basketball, and hip hop as much, it's easier to focus on school.  
 My own son is strong minded, and loves escaping the house, much more than my daughter. It simply takes more work to harness his energy, and keep him focused, but it has to be done. It has to be done more for all young black males so they can be competitive in society, and begin to become leaders and role models themselves.

Black women are not symbols of beauty in black men minds not white men.. I am in only race(African American) where the men don't stand up and put their women on pedestals.. Look at all the commericals and count the black women.. Then when black men have the opportunity to let us shine such as P. Diddy and Denzel, what do they do: THEY PUT white women and non-blacks in their commericals, videos and movies.. They won't stand up and say, "I want to be seen with black women.. in the same breathe they claim to love their Mamas!  Do you see other white males putting other races or Black women beside them on TV or before their women.. NO. Black men are not valuing married or their women.. and the sad part about it.. what do they have to loose.. not MUCH! I think black women need to start looking at other races and stop sitting around waiting on men who don't want them! Also I believe black women need to stop having babies from men who won't marry them.. Also black women with sons and daughters, need to teach their boys to love and respect women and become role models and keep standards for their daughters to show them how they should be treated by a man(not just black men, all men!

We as the majority, are also the leaders of the future. Without us as black men and women our black youth will never rise. We as a race are our own worst enemy. We don't speak while passing by each other. We are jelous of someone elses skin color, Like they chose to be how they are. We hate on each other instead of supporting each other. Don't hate, congratulate. Don't dispise, emphasize your love, and support. Be about it, Seek it, Share it, Love one another. We are all innocent to our coming here. But once we've made it here, it's our job as a community, and race to keep our selves alive. I love living, I love my race? Don't YOU?? I'm a 40 y/o African American women with a great career, 3 grown daughters, and 3 grandson's. My interest can dictate my childrens future. I choose to be a force that will continue to stand for my people. Educate one, educate all. Remember we are the Majority, be treated as the Minority, why is that??

Unforunately, I did not hear about the broadcast in time to view or record.  Will there be a replay of the broadcast?

Dear Paige in Florida,

I empathize with your concerns and my advice to you is to marry who ever loves you for you.  It doesn't matter what color he is because if any Black female settles for less, she will regret it in the long run.

the system/government is set up for all people of low statis to fail. but as a race of people most of us do not consider ourselves as a minority. women in general have always known that we must achieve our goals for the welfare of our children... the black women have always realize that their survival is in education and vocational trades.we must use all revenues to make our life a success for ourselves and our  heir. we must also representor uplift and assist  our male counterparts and recognize that the system is set up to tear families apart and not to recognize the importance of family structure.  the systems plays one against the other.... we must promote every opportunity to help stable the foundation of what is consider to be a FAMILY.  women recognizes the important structure that should exist with both parental heads working or having the income in the household to live and provide for the family to operate as a unit.  we do not need or males against our females and vise versa.. the system or government needs to recognize that one can not survive without the other without drastic circumstances that will cause damaged to the children and the relationships of a family.  The attention is brought to the african american women because we are a force to be reckoned with and have always been that way.  we will accomplished the goals that we set for ourselves.... when I was a child I was told to finsih high school and married a wealthy man..  the main ingrident was left out... get your own education and marry by choice, with love being the clue that holds the relationship together with prayer and faith.    the center goal for anyone making it is to have Faith (CHRIST) the center of your life and keep helping others to help themselves achieve their goals... we are a village of people that need each other whether we want to accept that as a reality or not.  NO MAN is an ISLAND to HIMSELF.  the titile ask where does african american  stand.... that is it WE STAND.. meaning we will go forward and we will also have our male counterparts STANDING WITH US....MOVING FORWARD  

Great job so far NBC. I am 55 year old black woman, who raised three daughters. My ex-husband did not help after we were divorced and the reason for the divorce was that I couldn't take his cheating anymore after the third time I caught him. That was 15 years ago.
Let me tell you what the Lord has done with me. He has enabled me to have graduated from college approx. 10 years ago, all while raising three very independent and hearty young ladies. Raising them to be disciplined without killing their spirit to achieve. I have been promoted three times. I have been able to help in my community and church. To God I give all Glory. Yes, I too have told my daughters to stand and do for themselves. Stand on the promises of God to them. Yes, I have taught my daughters to balance a checkbook and to think critcally. I could not wait to to see if their father was going to support them or not. My reality was to keep praying and keep moving, because faith without works is dead. We all know this. So for Black women, it is definitley a reality. I had a divine duty to my children -- loving them, raising them according to how the Lord wanted them to be raised. Life happens. Women cannot afford to wait to be married to do certian things such as own a home, get an education, buy a car, get insurance, draw up a will or do an estate plan, invest, etc. I don't believe that most black women say that they don't want a black man, but as you move through life, you rarely stop to say, I need love and from a man. You are moving everyday. In my office the few black women that I work with are just doing that. Yes, we all would love to be married, especially the younger ones, but they are working hard to pay back the school loans, to help parents pay bills, bought homes, working hard with young women in the community. Just living. Yes, they too would love to stop and say, where is that man, but just taking a day or two off to catch up with friends and family is such a wonderful blessing. No one is stating that they don't want to be married, but where do you go after a hard days work? Who has time to keep pounding the pavement for men, you just want to relax.
You decide to have a full life, either married or unmarried. I have two best girlfriends that we do so much together and apart. I volunteer within the church as well as within my community. I joined an Investment Club with my church and joined a Book Club in my community, I go on cruises and trips with my two best friends. We have been such a great support for each other. Would I love to have a gentleman there for me and I for him, yes, but since that is not my reality, I will not stop living.
I say to my daughters, have a realtionship with your God, serve your community and your church and keep fighting the good fight.

Thank you, NBC Nightly News, for your efforts to uplift AA women with this series.  Will equal time be given to uplift AA men?  I believe it is more important to try to get the message to them.  The ladies already "get it."  Reach out to teachers, ministers, boot camps, and prisons. It should be required reading/viewing.  I realize NBC may not be able to cover each ethnic group/gender.  America owes a lot to AAs.  Just think about it.

Many women in America, not just Blacks, are re-thinking the value and virtue of marriage, and many are finding it more trouble than it is worth, so those numbers are not a mystery. The emphasis has been, and will continue to be, the ability to get a good education and take care of yourself and your family financially. Apparently many women of color are doing just that. That doesn't mean we want to be seen as a threat and end up lonely and unloved. We want responsible partners who see us and themselves as valuable. Towards that end, a serious change of attitude towards education and achievement is in order.

Interesting dialog...  The series on this topic will only be viewed by a small group of informed among this racial sector of Black males and females.  The crust of the problem we as Black upwardly mobile, educated and working class citizens of the USA is that Black men as a whole as American Indians are not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to coexist in a corporate environment.  They see athletics and music as a way to aquire wealth.  Being a well read, thoughtful as well as atheletic human being will serve you and yours so much more than being traded to the highest bidder for a contract you don't control.  Be a renaissance man or woman will give you the knowledge to handle business ventors when presented and the forsight to know when you need to move on and find your own path.  Everyones destiny is there for you to discover and make it your own.  If you don't put enough into yourself and expect everything to be given these disperates occur.  That is what is going on with the Black family...Life is what you make it.  If you put junk in you get junk out...

I to am a single Black female never married with two degrees trying to find a single, health,  Black man..  

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