A young Black student - and an aspiring venture capitalist. Baker. Statistician. On track to be a 2025 graduate at Howard University.

Armari Tucker, 21, is well on his way to achieving all of these goals.

He worked at a bakery, and baguettes and other pastries prove his mastery of the craft, now coupled with the goal of owning a bakery. 

Tucker is a senior at Howard University majoring in economics and minoring in computer science. He and other business professionals received $125,000 for their start-up company, TribeMeets, designed to foster cohesion among members of the African diaspora, an enterprise consistent with his goal of becoming a venture capitalist.

Tucker credits his aspirations to his supportive family, who helped him navigate the isolation he often felt living in Iowa and the Madison area, dealing with the seeming “indifference” and “a lack of empathy” toward Black culture.

Participation in Root 2 Rise was also instrumental in his success, providing “an oasis, a chance to interact with people who look like me - and for me to serve a purpose for my community; That consisted of helping younger Black students with their educational and personal backgrounds.”

Root 2 Rise: Thrive has paid part of his college tuition.

“The chance to help others helped me feel part of a larger network. I felt more comfortable with myself,” he said.

“The help provided by Root 2 Rise definitely made a difference in my life. It instilled a the importance giving back to one’s community, and of making an impact on everyone, including those who don't look like me.”