ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author focuses on his academic journey, college was not something he would have ever dreamed or imagined when he was just a middle school student being expelled for bad behavior. The most gratifying part of reviewing his academic journey has been taking the opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to his story and his growth. The song “Backseat Freestyle” is at the beginning of Kendrick Lamar’s album, good kid, m.A.A.d city. The freestyle flows into the album rather poetically and details a story of him and his homeboys getting in the backseat of a car and starting their day. Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” gives one insight into the short-sighted hunger for quick money that poverty produces. Culinary historian and author Jessica Harris says African American food traditions hold symbols and meaning that serve as a historical roadmap.
