A significant number of African American students are failing mathematics courses. Identifying the causes of the students failing mathematics courses will solve a problem that has existed for almost a century. Current research will state that disparities in mathematics exist in American schools. The essay will research reasons why African American students are facing the disparities in mathematics achievement and instruction. These disparities translate into real differences in the services we provide African American students in our American schools. Efforts to rectify these inequalities will close the achievement gap between the races. Consequently, making American schools adequate learning institutions for all students is our on-going challenge.