This research was a three-article dissertation with two integrative literature reviews and one case study that examines the perception of career and technical education (CTE) among Black American communities with an in-depth look at the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Du Bois. There is a tremendous skills gap in the nation and an increasing economic mobility problem. If more students--for the purpose of this research, Black students--take advantage of CTE at the K-12 and postsecondary level, there is a greater opportunity to move the needle of economic mobility. If there is acknowledgment of the history of career and technical education among Black Americans, a better approach for recruiting Black students to participate in CTE may be realized. The theoretical frameworks shaping this study were critical race theory (CRT) and human capital theory (HCT). CRT submits that race, racism, and power influence how Black Americans value education. HCT suggests that obtaining more education increases productivity and earnings, concluding that education is an investment. Three research questions guided these studies: (1) How has the philosophy of Booker T. Washington influenced Black American communities' perception of CTE by existing literature? (2) How has the philosophy of W.E.B Du Bois influenced Black American communities' perception of CTE by existing literature? (3) How do parents in the 21st century view CTE as a path to economic success in the Black American community? The findings from these manuscripts add a different perspective to the philosophies espoused by Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. The findings also share the perception of CTE among Black parents as it relates to economic success for their children. The literature revealed Washington and Du Bois were more similar than different and their discord seemed more of a political difference rather than the course of education Black Americans should pursue. The results of this case study indicate a need for an intentional approach to educating Black parents on the career paths to economic success through career and technical education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]