School segregation was outlawed in 1954, yet educational achievement gaps between African American (AA) and White students continues to exist today, especially among AA males. A shifting labor market adversely affected community cohesiveness and local revenue streams undermining school quality in many AA neighborhoods. The resulting achievement gap created deficits in employment, access to health care, and limited opportunities to improve life quality. This research examines AA males’ views on the achievement gap and ways to improve life quality despite these disparities. Individual interviews were conducted with 19-24 year-old African American males (N=15). Participants were recruited using street intercept and snowball sampling techniques. Participants were asked about factors associated with the achievement gap. Themes that emerged included 1) disadvantages in their neighborhood environment; 2) the collapse of institutions such as family and local education system; 3) the absence of support from fathers and other mentors; and 4) negative portrayals in the media. Participants noted that many of them have become “stuck” in their environments because it is the only lifestyle they have experienced. For African American males, it is imperative to address the disparities that affect their holistic health including education, employment, and mentorship. These data show that AA males are initially discouraged from improving their life quality because of external factors such as their social and educational environment. However, providing AA males with mentors and father figures to offer support can help to motivate them to pursue education and employment opportunities that can improve their life quality.