We’re seeing a trend that deserves our attention: fewer Black men are enrolling in college, and those who do face challenges in completing their degrees. Social media, particularly TikTok, has amplified this discussion surrounding Black men and higher education. Some highlight successful careers straight out of high school, offering financial stability without a degree. Others emphasize the value of college, particularly at HBCUs.
To better understand the popular debate, interviews were done with Black men from different walks of life at FAMU, including students, workers and community workers.
College isn’t always the right fit for everyone—and for some, entering a trade provides financial stability and a sense of purpose. I spoke with an employee from Capitol Insulations, a worker helping keep our campus HVAC systems running smoothly. He says, “Wasn’t for me, and with my father already in HVAC, it just made sense to go straight to work.”
His experience speaks to a different kind of education—one passed down from one generation to another.
“Not saying college is a scam, but for me, it would’ve been a waste. Why rack up debt learning stuff I wasn’t gonna use when I could be getting paid to do what I already know?”
Crediting his father as his greatest teacher, he says, “[My father] taught me how to read schematics, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to talk to customers. And he taught me the value of hard work. That’s something I didn’t need to learn in college.”
In contrast, a seasoned informational technician at FAMU shared his journey from Quincy to a successful career in academia.
“For me, it was either college or the military,” he recounted. “And I knew I wasn’t going to the military.” He began his academic journey at Tallahassee Community College, eventually transferring to Florida State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
When asked about the obstacles he faced, he offered a direct perspective. “I didn’t see many obstacles because I wanted to go to college. Financial aid, Pell Grants and some
student loans made it possible. The hardest part is actually staying in college after you get in. And people don’t always know about all the help that’s available. Somebody has to want to break the cycle.”
Now, he stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, a father of six whose children are following in his academic footsteps, including one currently at FAMU. For him, the key is not just getting to college, but persevering through it.
For students currently at FAMU, the college experience is not just about personal gain—it’s about creating change. A second-year computer science student, offered a deeply personal perspective on his decision to pursue higher education.
“Growing up in Moncrief, you see a lot,” he shared. “Same cycles, same struggles, generation after generation.” For him, college is more than an academic pursuit; it’s a vehicle for personal transformation. “I wanted to show the kids in my community that there’s another way.”
He also acknowledged the value of trades, especially for those who’ve built successful lives in his neighborhood. “Trades may be valuable. But for me, college was the way out and the way forward. I needed an environment that pushed me to reach higher. That’s what FAMU gave me.”
The stories of Black men at Florida A&M University show that their paths to success are complex and powerful. It’s important to fight stereotypes, show positive role models, and give Black men the tools to choose what path works best for them—whether that’s learning a trade, going to college or something else. What matters most is the reason behind their choices and the impact they leave behind.