SAN FRANCISCO, CA— KQED is proud to present another stellar installment of Roadtrip Nation: “Thriving – Black Men in Higher Education.” Premiering on public television nationwide in September for HBCU week, it shows what’s possible for Black men’s futures when they are set up for success.
Black men belong in higher ed spaces—and can thrive when we build a culture of engagement, care, and support. The two-episode series “Thriving – Black Men in Higher Education” follows three young Black men as they explore what’s possible for their futures in postsecondary education and beyond. Follow along as roadtrippers Destin, Enoch, and Tobias take a journey across the country to discover how they can successfully navigate their higher ed journeys and step into fulfilling and impactful careers they love.
Destin—originally from Atlanta, Georgia—is now a PhD student of psychology at the University of Kentucky. With a focus on Black mental well-being and extensive research into substance abuse and the opioid crisis within the Black community, he is considering paths like continued research, starting a nonprofit, or opening up a therapy center focused on holistic healing. Ultimately, he recognizes the challenges of being a Black man in academia and is committed to finding mentorship and contributing to greater representation in his field.
Enoch, a Texas native, is pursuing applied mathematics and chemical engineering at MIT. Having faced challenges as a Black student in predominantly white institutions, he is motivated to affect systemic change through innovation and policy while empowering others. He’s interested in pursuing a PhD in economics to increase societal welfare while filling in representational gaps in the field—and he’s eager to explore how others have balanced a prestigious degree and career with the realities of being a Black man in America.
Tobias comes from rural Albany, Georgia. Having earned his associate’s degree in business administration through a dual enrollment program during high school, he now studies political science at Morehouse College with dreams of becoming a federal prosecutor. He is passionate about the fight against biases in the justice system and hopes to make a difference as a Black gay man in the legal field. As a first-generation college student, he is eager to build community and brotherhood while seeking advice on how to handle any future challenges he may face.