The present condition of the United States regarding the education of black college-age youth and the status of historically black colleges is discussed in this paper. Background information on the role of black colleges and an elaboration of present-day problems facing black colleges are presented. The declining enrollment, drop-out rate, counter attacks on and a weakening of affirmative action in student and faculty recruitment, diminishing funds, and distortions surrounding the ability of blacks to pay for higher education are but a few of the problems which seriously affect educational progress. An all-out effort must be made to correct educational inequities if the future is to hold promise for blacks and other minorities. Statistics pertaining to the key issues discussed in this paper are included. (Author/BS)