In this powerful conversation, Fred Scott sits down with Phillip Wilkerson to explore the life-changing impact of mentorship, the importance of empowerment, and the art of building strong, supportive communities—especially within the African-American community.

Phillip opens up about his personal journey and the mentors who shaped his path, including his parents, Brother Byron Bullock’s African-American Male Academy at James Madison University, and high school teacher Mark Holbrook, who created an all-Black male leadership class. These early influences inspired Phillip’s mission to create spaces where Black men can connect, lead, and thrive.

He shares how he overcame challenges faced by university students, from limited resources to lack of representation, and how he took initiative to launch a Black male faculty and staff group at George Mason University—starting with just a simple Zoom call. From campus walks to happy hours, Phillip shows how community can grow organically when people feel valued and heard.

The discussion also dives into the science of mentorship, including research that proves representation matters—seeing someone who looks like you succeed can inspire resilience, confidence, and the courage to take risks. Phillip connects these insights to his own PhD studies, reinforcing the need for intentional spaces that foster belonging.

From his recognition in the Fairfax County Public Schools Alumni Hall of Fame to his philosophy that people will always remember how you made them feel, Phillip’s story is a blueprint for leadership rooted in service, connection, and legacy.

Whether you’re a student, educator, mentor, or community leader, this episode offers practical strategies and heartfelt wisdom to help you create spaces where others can succeed.

Key Topics Covered:

• The mentors and life experiences that shaped Phillip Wilkerson
• Challenges and solutions for supporting university students
• Building Black male leadership and resource groups
• Why representation matters in education and the workplace
• How to create community through small, intentional actions
• The lasting value of relationships over recognition

Keywords: mentorship, empowerment, African-American community, Black male leadership, Phillip Wilkerson, Fred Scott, university student success, creating safe spaces, building community, representation, career development, brotherhood, leadership, higher education, alumni success