I cannot, I thought, change the economy or the age-old prejudices or the system in general. But what I can, must and will stop is the way these young people destroy themselves. I will give them back hope. I am committed to showing them how to achieve their best dreams. (Clark & ​​Picard, 1989, p. 18) A comprehensive account of the controversial and questionable film, Lean On Me, focusing on many elements of the educational experience and student achievement. The film's primary location was Eastside High School, located in a poverty-stricken area. Conditions in the area were riddled with drug turmoil, gang-related activity, and relatively high dropout rates. With Eastside on Alert with Board of Education At a time when American society is desperately seeking solutions to the problem of educating black males, this study will serve as a tool to encourage those responsible for teaching them and who thus far could having felt that there was little chance for their success. The social implications or findings of the study could be used by school districts to replicate environments, structures, and attitudes to possibly increase the number of academically accomplished African American youth. The findings can also be used by parents, families, and community members to understand what these African American youth endure and experience and the positive actions that can be taken to better support other youth in achieving academic success, ultimately increasing the number of these young. men who become college