CHAPTER 15: “STRAIGHT OUTTA SUPPORT”: Learning to Navigate the Academy as a Black Male Clinical Faculty Member at a Predominantly White Institution Through R.A.C.E. Mentoring

In 2015, rappers Ice Cube and Dr. Dre were among those who produced the movie entitled Straight Outta Compton, which is a historical and biographical drama highlighting the start of rap group N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitudes). N.W.A. was the originators of what many refer to as “gangsta rap,” a popular rap form that is stereotypically known for its explicit lyrics, degradation of women, and promotion of crime and violence. While the film mainly chronicled the ascension and fall of N.W.A., it also captured the challenges associated with growing up in urban environments. For these reasons, although I am no fan of hip-hop music, I was able to relate to many of characters and understand most of the situations, which stem from institutional racism and urban poverty often portrayed throughout the movie. Because of these situations, I realized that although I was not “straight out of Compton,” I was “straight out of support.” This lack of support would continue into my professional career.