The Ascenders Tour
Book talks, student conversations, and educator workshops for colleges committed to belonging, identity, and student success.
2027 Launch | New York
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The Ascenders brings to life the real stories, strengths, and strategies that helped rural Black men rise, persist, and graduate from college. Its lessons are offered as practical tools to support students, educators, and families and caregivers in strengthening connection, deepening belonging, and creating meaningful pathways to success.
Beginning January 2027, a soft-launch book tour will offer New York–based campuses, organizations, and bookstores the opportunity to host book talks, workshops, and student-centered circles focused on identity development, belonging, and culturally responsive support practices. This limited geographic focus reflects author capacity and allows for deeper, more intentional engagement with participating institutions.
Institutions across New York committed to affirming student pathways, strengthening community, and elevating equity-centered approaches are invited to join The Ascenders movement and partner in this initial phase of elevating how we support students and educators as they rise.
What Can Be Requested
What Can Be Requested
Keynote-Style Session or Book Talk (30–60 minutes)
Keynote-Style Session or Book Talk (30–60 minutes)
A meaningful and engaging session for students, faculty, and staff. I share stories from my research and upbringing that highlight identity, purpose, resilience, and the cultural capital rural Black men bring to higher education. The content helps students feel seen and supported and gives educators practical insight to strengthen belonging on campus.
Ascender Circles for Students (45–75 minutes)
A discussion-based experience designed for Men of Color, first-generation students, FYE groups, TRiO and EOP programs, student leaders, living-learning communities, athletes, and more. These sessions are honest, real, and relational, grounded in belonging, purpose, and community.
Educator Workshop (60–90 minutes)
Educator Workshop (60–90 minutes)
A workshop for faculty, staff, advisors, coaches, and student affairs professionals focused on:
culturally responsive student support
identity-affirming teaching and advising
lessons from rurality, place, and cultural capital
belonging as a pathway to persistence
practical strategies educators can apply immediately
Fireside Chat / Q&A (30–60 minutes)
Fireside Chat / Q&A (30–60 minutes)
A conversational format with a campus leader, student group, or faculty member. Great for common-read events, Men of Color initiatives, and equity-focused programs.
Who This Tour Is For
Who This Tour Is For
College access and success programs like H/EOP, TRiO, Upward Bound, etc.
Men of Color initiatives
Student affairs divisions
Cultural centers
First-Year Experience programs
Faculty development centers
Academic advising units
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offices
Honors and leadership programs
Departments teaching first-year or general education courses
Why This Matters
Why This Matters
Students thrive when their identities are affirmed, their stories are valued, and when educators understand the cultural wealth they carry into learning spaces. My goal is simple. I want to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and encouraged, and where educators feel equipped to help them rise.
What It Costs
What It Costs
Campuses and organizations partner by committing to a book purchase so students and educators have The Ascenders in hand. The book becomes the shared anchor for the talk, workshop, or student experience. The recommended minimums are listed below. I am open to adjusting based on campus context and needs.
Virtual Experiences
Virtual Experiences
• Book Talk or Fireside Chat: 20 books
• Workshop: 20 books
• Ascender Circles: 20 books
• Half-Day Engagement: 50 books
Ideal for campuses seeking accessible, high-impact engagement.
In-Person Experiences
In-Person Experiences
• Book Talk or Fireside Chat: 40 books
• Workshop: 40 books
• Ascender Circles: 40 books
• Half-Day In-Person Visit: 75-100 books
Designed to foster deep engagement, meaningful connection, and community building. Events include book signings. For in-person visits, hosts are encouraged to either cover or reimburse travel and lodging, or select an all-inclusive fee that bundles books, travel, and lodging.
Bring The Ascenders to Your Campus or Organization
Bring The Ascenders to Your Campus or Organization
Submit a request below to schedule a book talk, workshop, or Ascender Circle.
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