In this oral history Dr. Leonard Haynes III reflects on his time as an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., as well as his career as an educator and advocate for historically Black colleges and universities. He talks about why he believes that historically Black colleges and universities are essential to the United States, as well as challenges that they face. He has served in education departments around the country, including for D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, Presidents George H. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. He speaks about divisions in Washington, D.C. that he describes as almost \u201ctwo cities\u201d. He also talks about his role in running a Saturday school in Montgomery County, interests in Napoleon Bonaparte, and why he believes his accomplishments in the Trump administration have been ignored by the media.