The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate how African American male students persist through or depart before the end of the second year of their college journey. African American male students tend to drop out of college after their first year and sometimes after their first semester of college. There were several variables and themes that emerged in this study. The dependent variable is the persistence of African American males through their second year of college. The mediating variables, that aimed to explain the relationship between the dependent and independent variables were extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation. The independent variables in the study were Steele and Aronson's Stereotype Threat, Durkheim's Theory of Suicide and Tinto's Theory of Student Departure. The focus group was used to draw upon the participant's attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences, and reactions. This qualitative research study utilized focus group interviews with purposefully selected African American males with sophomore classification. The focus group was used to draw upon the participant's attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences, and reactions. Data was collected using an open-ended interview protocol and analyzed through deductive coding which served as a foundation for the data analysis coding process. The data was recorded on a digital recording device and transcribed verbatim before being coded. Several major themes derived from the participants which were self-motivation, family, mentorship, community, health issues, and influence. The research findings illustrate as well as provide considerable explanations for the African American male student's persistence and departure from higher education before the end of their second year of college. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]