The other thing striking about that table is how low a base of African American majors there is. They seem to represent no more than 6% of the degree recipients in any physical science field. Out of 21,500 Chemistry and Physics majors, only 1,200 are African American. And 5 African American Astronomy majors . . . .
You guys might want to read this:
APS Bridge Program Expects to Increase Minority Ph.D. Numbers
http://www.aps.org/publications/apsnews/201507/gap.cfm
“Expects to”
One would think that a program with such initiatives would, upon its success in its early years, begins to address the seminal question. Thus, a tradition is born.
One only thinks of oneself as born a sailor. The skills inherent to the task must be taught, and learned.