For generations, African American students in St. Louis and the region have performed at a lower level than their counterparts. Many reasons have been cited, not the least of which is inferior schools, inferior equipment, and often less dedicated teachers in poor, urban districts. Family dysfunction also plays a role. During the first decade of the current century, black civic, political and religious leaders have been working to improve the performance of African American students. Each year, the Black Leadership Roundtable has put out a report card measuring the gap. While there has been some progress, the disparity remains. Black Leadership Roundtable executives John Moton, Charles Saulesberry, and Reverend Sammie Jones spoke to the issue.