The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of African American males who graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Within the last 10 years, African American males have experienced systematically devastating results in social, educational, and economic outcomes at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group; devastation that has led to African American males experiencing failure in educational, economic, and freedom levels. This study seeks to identify and examine the lived experiences of African American males who have been mentored while attending a Historically Black College and University. The results of this study may contribute to social change by motivating society and scholars alike to move beyond simply identifying the existence and persistence of the problem to implementing strategies based on the study findings to correct the historical inequality African American males face in higher education. [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.]