Joycelyn Green, an educator from Knoxville, Tennessee, discusses her journey from being a student-athlete at Prairie View A&M University to becoming a dedicated teacher with over 26 years of experience. She reflects on her upbringing in a predominantly white community and how attending an HBCU exposed her to a supportive environment where professors emphasized the importance of excelling as a person of color. Green shares her commitment to advocating for underprivileged students by guiding them through the college application process and supporting their personal and academic growth. She also addresses systemic challenges, such as inequitable educational policies and the effects of shifting parental involvement, which have contributed to the struggles faced by minority students. As a doctoral candidate, Green’s research focuses on understanding the experiences of African American males in online learning environments, with the goal of identifying the barriers to their educational success. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the need for culturally competent educators, fair representation in leadership, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all students.