Book excerpt: Challenging misconceptions related to Black academic achievement, this volume provides original perspectives on the policies, initiatives, and factors that facilitate the success of students of color as they progress along the educational pipeline. Grounded in an anti-deficit framework, this book offers personal narratives of Black educational leaders and professionals who discuss aspects of their educational experiences and pathways to success. With takeaways for research and practice, the individual narratives that comprise this book add to the conversation and advance important lessons gained from personal stories about achieving success for Blacks and other minority students.