I Deserved to Be There A Black Gen Xer’s Journey and a Post-Jim Crow PWI

I Deserved to Be There is a powerful memoir of identity, resilience, and self-discovery. Anthony Reeves, a Black Gen Xer raised in the heart of the South, recounts his deeply personal experience attending a predominantly white institution (PWI) in the late 1980s—just decades after the fall of Jim Crow.

From cultural isolation and self-doubt to leadership, legacy, and unexpected recognition, this candid narrative explores what it means to grow up believing the world is integrated—only to find that inclusion is still a work in progress.

Through moments of tension, triumph, and transformation, Reeves shares the untold story of navigating privilege, race, and purpose as a first-generation college student. It’s not just a coming-of-age story—it’s a testimony for anyone who’s ever questioned whether they belonged in the room.

👉 Perfect for readers interested in:

• Black history and Gen X experiences
• Higher education and race
• Identity, leadership, and perseverance
• Memoirs of personal growth and transformation