​​Dillon Harp’s story exemplifies resilience, determination and a commitment to education and community empowerment. As a first-generation Black American college student, he has faced significant challenges, including the death of his father and experiencing houselessness. Having earned his bachelor’s degree in ethnic studies, he is now pursuing an environment and community master’s degree at Cal Poly Humboldt. 

Driven by the need for increased BIPOC representation in academia, Dillon plans to pursue a Fulbright scholarship and earn a doctoral degree to work at The Smithsonian. His dedication to diversity is evidenced by his founding of Black to Our Roots, a non-profit that assists Afro-descendant students with genealogical research. Dillon is also publishing a book chronicling the historical progression of Afro-descendant food ways and hosting cultural food pop-ups. 

For Dillon, education is the key to liberation— and he is committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational oppression faced by Black Americans.