While the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education held much promise for the future of Black Americans, the long term social and educational impacts of this decision have been mixed. The employment struggles of young Black Americans, especially Black males, have been virtually ignored by economic policymakers and the media alike. This report reviews the history of Black male employment with an emphasis on developments between the late 1960's through 2003. Employment rates of young Black males are compared to those of young White males, as well as those of Black females. Following a description of the deterioration of the labor market position of young Black males, the report focuses on a detailed exploration of year-round idleness among all Black male adults between the ages of 20 through 64 years during the period 2000 through 2002. Statistics on Black male idleness are compared to idleness estimates for Asian, Hispanic, and White males during the same period. Finally, suggestions are offered for national, State, and local public policies that would increase the immediate and long-term employment prospects and earnings for Black men, especially young Black men. Suggestions include the need for a sustained personal and social investment in Black literacy and numeracy proficiencies, as well as formal educational attainment. Footnotes, charts, tables