In this episode of Beyond the Margins, Dr. Sohn A. Butts welcomes Philip Wilkerson III of George Mason University for a powerful conversation on mentorship, belonging, and the importance of culturally grounded support for Black students and Black men. Together, they explore the difference between simply having access to educational spaces and truly feeling seen, valued, and connected within them.

Philip shares his personal journey into higher education and reflects on how mentorship, representation, and intentional community shape identity, academic success, and emotional wellness. The conversation also examines the impact of isolation in predominantly white spaces, the need for Black mentorship across every stage of life, and why creating spaces of belonging is essential—not optional.

This episode is a thoughtful discussion on commun ...