Abstract
Shrinking enrollments in the agricultural programs of the 1890 schools can be partly explained by negative attitudes of Blacks toward agriculture. This attitude has roots in the historical experiences of African Americans and has negative implications for the agricultural programs of the 1890 schools. A collection of data from a sample of Black Louisiana Farmers lends credence to the claim that Black Farmers are not encouraging their children to go into farming. To counter the impact on the 1890 schools, an active recruiting program should be undertaken, partly to show Black students that career openings in various agricultural fields offer excellent opportunities for Black students. These fields extend beyond the traditional farmgate.
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Dr. Christopher N. Hunte is Professor of Sociology and Researcher, Cooperative State Research Services, College of Agriculture, Southern University. He is past president of Phi Delta Kappa, Southern University. His research extends to several African, Latin, Caribbean, and Central American countries. He is the author of the book:The Development of Higher Education in the West Indies, Banner Books, Birmingham, AL, 1977.
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Hunte, C.N. The African American experience in agriculture. Agric Hum Values 9, 11–14 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02226498
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02226498