Dr. Akil Houston

I was born in Aurora, Colorado, and grew up in Denver. My childhood included many experiences typical of my generation—riding bikes all summer and spending long days playing outside. I also had some less common opportunities: attending a computer programming camp at the Jewish Community Center at age 10, and participating in an engineering camp as an eighth grader at the “school up north” during summer break. 

I was always fascinated by history and the power of storytelling. As a child, I imagined becoming either an Egyptologist or a filmmaker. Volunteering at the Museum of Natural History, an experience that eventually turned into a job with the Ramses II exhibit, combined with reading Cheikh Anta Diop, deepened my curiosity about the intersections of history, politics, and culture. 

I’ve had an interest in media for as long as I can remember. I started writing a book series when I was about seven and recorded stories for my family. Around the age of nine, I started deejaying. Choosing just one favorite film is difficult. Depending on the day, it could be Citizen Kane, Sankofa, The Godfather (I or II), or the original Star Wars trilogy. 

The best memories revolve around experiences with friends and teammates. I played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. I was also active in student council and served as a district officer for DECA - Distributive Education Clubs of America, which was similar to FBLA - Future Business Leaders of America. Traveling for student government events and athletic competitions created some of the most memorable moments of those years.

Too many to list. One that stands out came from a mentor, Ms. Hughes. She advised a youth group that my peers and I started in junior high, called B.A.S.T.A. (Brothers and Sisters Taking Action). She once gave me a book by Haki Madhubuti and told me I had a gift that I was obligated to share with the world. That moment stayed with me, and I still have the book.

After a conversation with one of my mentors, Dr. Raymond Tymus Jones, I realized cultural studies provided the ideal framework to explore media, power, and representation. I was already engaging with thinkers like Stuart Hall, Michel Foucault, bell hooks, and Angela Y. Davis, so pursuing a PhD in cultural studies felt like a natural progression after completing my Master of Fine Arts degree in film and my master’s degree in international affairs. Despite advice that a more traditional path, such as American Studies at Yale, might be viewed as less controversial, I chose the road less traveled. 

My time at Ohio University was incredibly rewarding. I worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds, and I wanted them to cultivate an unshakeable curiosity and a commitment to opening doors for others. In turn, my students taught me patience and the importance of recognizing and honoring different learning styles.

Most rewarding: Having the opportunity to help shape institutional culture and develop policies, programs, and practices that reflect our shared values and support the growth of thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. Most challenging: Institutions are inherently complex. Change can be slow and sometimes met with inertia or resistance. Balancing competing interests, navigating bureaucracy, and ensuring that our stated commitments are lived out in practice are all ongoing challenges.

Assuming it was tax-free, I would likely invest it.

Ella Baker, my ‘shero’ says, “Give light and people will find a way.” I say this daily.