Black men are nearly seven times more likely to be incarcerated than white men, according to the National Urban League.

Across the nation, one in four black men between the ages of 20 to 64 did not work in 2003, some studies show. The problems facing black men nationwide and in Illinois are overwhelming.

Is there a solution? The state wants to try to find it.

"The most difficult part of this is that some of the issues we're addressing are systemic problems," said Terence Mitchell, coordinator of a statewide task force tasked with getting at the heart of the problem.

The task force, which held its final town hall meeting earlier this month, will deliver its recommendations for improving the lives of black men to Gov. Rod Blagojevich by Dec. 31.

Several people, including a crowd as large as 400, went to the seven town hall meetings held around the state starting last month. The forums were open to the public and encouraged youth, parents and others to voice their concerns on issues such as high rates of imprisonment among black men.

Anwar Daniels, 24, who grew up in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood and attended a meeting at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said black men are under enormous pressure in this country.

"I got the flier for this (town hall meeting), and I was here in a flash," Daniels said. "The education problems, jail population is just too big to ignore for (black men)."

Some in attendance who were previously skeptical about forums that discuss issues affecting blacks said this task force is different because of the state mandates.

"Through my own fact-finding, I feel the state is actually being held accountable," said David Stovall, associate professor at UIC. "The (task force) needs to lay out, 'Here's what we can do,' as opposed to giving lip service."

The state legislation that created the task force set five specific directives:

- Determine the causal factors for the conditions of black men.

- Take stock of the state programs and initiatives that serve to improve the conditions of black men.

- Identify gaps in services to black men.

- Develop strategies to reduce duplication of services.

- Maximize coordination among state agencies, providers, and educational institutions and develop benchmarks to measure progress.

Vincent Stokes, who works for the state Department of Human Rights, said the task force's town hall approach is a step in the right direction.

"That's where the need is right now, involving our youth," said Stokes, who tutors high school students in math at his church, Trinity United Church of Christ.

"Addressing the issues here, at town halls, is fine, but we need to address these issues at other places like church or work."