Why Are We Delaying Marriage?

According to research, more and more African American couples are delaying marriage? Why, when research shows that their attitudes toward marriage are positive and optimistic. It makes me wonder why aren’t more couples in this population racing to the alter to get married? At times, I wonder what catalyst changed our views and then later our behaviors towards marriage? Is it fear? Or is it the belief that there are no available bachelors?  Or the overwhelming gaps in financial and educational disparities? This is concerning because prior to the 1950’s most African American individuals were married and were raising their children in traditional two-parent homes. Cohabitation has become kryptonite for marriage, because it offers many couples an alternative to the long-term pressures of marriage. Cohabitation offers more flexibility because the demands to buy the cow are reduced. So what is the solution to establishing and maintaining healthy and stable relationships among African American couples that evolves into a “successful marriage?" Can we get back to Black Love?