In 2009, twelve at-risk Black adolescent boys hit the road armed only with an audio tape recorder to interview older African American men from all walks of life in the hopes that their own lives might change. Leading the way was Thelma Straight, a teacher who received an oral history grant. Her mission? To help keep the youngsters from becoming another statistic.  

In 2023, “Road Scholars” reunited some of these younger and older participants to talk about navigating the world as Black men. Their conversations offer hope, inspiration, and a possible roadmap for change.   

“Road Scholars” is a four-part digital series produced by Investigative Media Group, Inc. in association with The WNET Group’s Chasing the Dream initiative.

Major funding for Chasing the Dream is provided by The JPB Foundation with additional funding from Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III.

Additional support for “Road Scholars” was provided by the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

Download the Road Scholars Community Conversations Toolkit (.pdf).