CHAPTER 13: THE DAYS OF MY LIFE: The Emergence of R.A.C.E. Mentoring

As a young boy growing up in the southeastern United States, my passion for learning was vivid and well supported. Early on, I was involved in student organizations, sports, civic events, and church youth ministries. I was an active member and leader in Boy Scouts, Beta Club, Spanish Club, school marching band, student government, YMCA events, and the church youth choir. While these opportunities influenced my social development as a young Black boy in the Deep South, my family ensured that academic development was promoted. When I was a middle school student, my mother, who raised two children as a single parent, unflaggingly promoted education. To this end, I was afforded academic support through summer reading and math camps, and after-school programs to ensure my academic acumen.