Anton House’s life is a remarkable story of transformation and resilience, an embodiment of the human capacity to rise above adversity. Today, Dr. House holds a Ph.D. in United States History from Howard University, a prestigious historically Black institution in Washington, D.C. However, his journey to this achievement began far from the hallowed halls of academia. It started in the tough streets of Racine, Wisconsin, where he lived the dangerous life of a teenage drug dealer in the 1990s.
A Harsh Beginning
House’s teenage years were shaped by the harsh realities of his environment. Growing up in a community where affluence was symbolized by the flashy lifestyles of drug dealers, House was drawn to the allure of quick money. By the age of 13, he was armed and wearing bulletproof vests to protect himself. His mother, fearing for his safety, provided him with actual drugs to sell, urging him to avoid the deception that could get him killed.
At 15, he was detained in a juvenile facility, and by 16, he had dropped out of high school. His first incarceration came at age 18 for cocaine possession, and he returned to prison in 2001. At this low point, House realized that the path he was on would only lead to destruction unless he changed course.
A Scholar is Born
House’s transformation began in prison. He credits a pivotal moment to reading The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams, which ignited a passion for history and a desire to rewrite the narrative of African Americans. He began devouring books on Black history and philosophy, finding a sense of purpose in understanding and reclaiming his heritage.
This newfound focus motivated him to earn his high school equivalency diploma while still incarcerated. Upon release, he joined the Community Re-entry Program, which provided the structure and accountability he needed to rebuild his life. Despite facing rejection in the job market due to his criminal record, House refused to be deterred. Instead, he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 2007, where he excelled academically, graduating in 2011 with a degree in history. He was recognized as a Dean’s List student and served as the President of the Black Student Union.
From Howard University to Academic Excellence
Determined to further his education, House moved to Washington, D.C., and pursued advanced studies at Howard University. There, he earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees. His 2019 dissertation, Toward a Black Economy: William Washington Browne and His Vision of Black Self-Reliance, 1881-1897, reflects his commitment to understanding and documenting the struggles and triumphs of African Americans.
House’s research focuses on late 19th and early 20th-century U.S. history, with an emphasis on the Black economy, racial uplift, and the New Negro Movements. His academic achievements are a testament to his belief in the power of the mind to transcend circumstances.
Giving Back and Building Futures
Dr. House now serves as an Assistant Professor at Delaware State University, a historically Black institution. He uses his story to inspire young people from underserved communities, emphasizing that education and self-determination can unlock limitless potential. “Your mind can take you as far as you fill it,” he often says, a mantra that encapsulates his journey.
In rediscovering his family’s history—descendants of enslaved Africans who endured the Trail of Sorrow and later sought better opportunities in the North—House found his place in the world. This understanding grounds his mission to empower others to rise above systemic barriers.
A Legacy of Hope
Anton House’s journey from a troubled youth to a scholar is not just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of hope for countless others. His life serves as proof that with determination, education, and a commitment to change, it is possible to rewrite even the most daunting of life’s narratives. House’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
In a heartwarming celebration of family and legacy, pilot Fiona Austin-McDonald recently honored her father, Wade Austin-McDonald, as he retired after an extraordinary 44-year career in aviation. Wade, who just turned 65, dedicated his life to flying, inspiring his family and countless others with his commitment to the skies and a passion he developed as a young boy.
Wade’s fascination with aviation took flight at the age of seven, when he received a Pan Am jet toy for Christmas. Growing up in Guyana before relocating to Antigua, he held onto that dream, ultimately becoming a pilot. Over his long career, Wade not only fulfilled his own ambitions but also influenced his daughter Fiona and son Antoine to pursue careers in aviation. Fiona, now a commercial pilot herself, took to social media to celebrate her father’s impact, marking both his birthday and his official retirement with a heartfelt tribute.
“It has been an honor to fly with you,” Fiona wrote, capturing her pride and admiration. “You’ve taught us how to work hard for what we want and passed on so much knowledge to many Caribbean men and women who became great pilots because of trainers like you.” The Austin-McDonald family has, in many ways, made aviation a family affair. Wade’s wife is a flight attendant, and Fiona and Antoine are pilots, all following in his footsteps and contributing to their shared legacy in the skies.
Although Fiona was inspired by her father’s career, her own journey to becoming a pilot was also shaped by seeing a Black female pilot while she worked as a flight attendant. The moment was transformative: “The respect she received, the way she commanded attention and handled the plane with such confidence—it was unforgettable. I knew then that I wanted to create my own path in aviation,” she explained. Click here to read more about the Austin-McDonald’s.
