I know it's not politically correct to say this,
but it has to be said.
Yes, there are a small number of African-American
astronauts; and something close to affirmitive-action
percentages of NASA employees who are of African
heritage...but that doesn't necessarily translate to
interest in space exploration among that community overall...
especially among the poor and among those who are under 30.

Funny thing about space exploration; you can't really
separate it from politics and the values and interests of public groups as long as the politicians of whatever race continue to supply the money.