This comparative case study utilized oral histories to illuminate the life stories of three Black men who navigated their way through trauma. The goal of the study was to better understand how they navigated education and life experiences to eventually earn doctoral degrees. The findings affirm and illuminate that despite their academic success, they suffer from residual unresolved emotional scars due to unhealed trauma. The key findings are that these men navigated trauma by (a) seeking out quality education, (b) developing strong self-agency, and (c) utilizing close proximity to success. The study concludes that the key to increasing the rate of academic success among Black males is reducing the effects of trauma and provides recommendations for how communities and schools can achieve this. The lives of the men in this study illustrate that with the right support to promote healing from the effects of trauma Black males can overcome the most traumatic experiences and achieve academically at the highest level. However, when healing does not accompany the journey to academic success it comes at a cost. [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.]