Helping the Next Generation Discover Their Dreams Through Mentorship and Education | Dr. Titus L. Hopper
By Lana Reid | July 22, 2026
Publication Information
| Interviewee | Dr. Titus L. Hopper |
|---|---|
| Interviewer | Lana Reid |
| Collection | The Male Perspective: Black Men Matter Oral History Collection |
| Interview No. | 225 |
| Publisher | Conversations in Color |
| Rights Holder | Conversations in Color (501(c)(3)) |
| Original Format | Recorded Video Interview |
| Language | English |
| Original Air Date | July 22, 2026 |
| Publication Date | July 2026 |
| Location | Virtual Interview |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21517465 |
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Dr. Titus L. Hopperโeducator, speaker, author, and co-founder of Hop2It Solutionsโto discuss the people and experiences that shaped his life, his decision to pursue a career in education, and the challenges facing Black male educators and school leaders. Drawing from his doctoral research on the motivational factors influencing Black male principals in rural North Carolina, Dr. Hopper offers insight into the barriers these leaders face while encouraging young Black men to consider careers in education and leadership.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Dr. Titus L. Hopper shares a thoughtful conversation about educational leadership, purpose, and the responsibility adults have to help young people envision meaningful futures.
Dr. Hopper reflects on the mentors and experiences that inspired him to become an educator and explains why representation matters in schools. He discusses the unique challenges Black male educators and principals often encounter, particularly in rural communities, and why increasing their presence can have a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Dr. Hopper explore his doctoral research examining the motivational factors affecting Black male principals in rural North Carolina. He shares observations about leadership, resilience, and the importance of creating environments where educators are supported and empowered to succeed.
The discussion also highlights Dr. Hopper’s practical approach to student development through his “Think Right, Do Right” teaching tool. He explains how helping young people connect their thoughts, choices, and actions encourages greater accountability, stronger decision-making, and personal responsibility.
Another key topic is Dr. Hopper’s book, A Boss Called Dream. He recounts a life-changing encounter with a student who admitted he did not know what his dream was, an experience that inspired him to help young people identify purpose before adulthood. Dr. Hopper emphasizes that adultsโincluding educators, parents, mentors, and community membersโmust work together as part of a modern village that nurtures children’s growth and exposes them to a wide range of educational and career pathways.
Through Hop2It Solutions, Dr. Hopper and his wife, Michelle, have developed the Hop2It Expresso Packages, providing presentations and educational resources that encourage leadership development, career exploration, and community engagement.
This episode reinforces the importance of educational leadership, mentorship, and helping every young person discover a dream worth pursuing.
About the Guest
Dr. Titus L. Hopper is an educator, speaker, author, and co-founder of Hop2It Solutions. His work focuses on educational leadership, youth development, career exploration, and increasing the representation of Black male educators. He is the author of A Boss Called Dream and creator of the “Think Right, Do Right” teaching framework.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฟ. ๐ง๐ถ๐๐๐ ๐. ๐๐ผ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ:
https://www.hop2itsolutions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/hop2itsolutions/
https://www.instagram.com/hop2itsolutions/
https://www.hoptheblacksanta.com/
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0H3LQNB7B
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men whose leadership, scholarship, and lived experiences contribute to meaningful conversations about education, mentorship, and community development.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Colorโs Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.