The lack of diversity among current licensed physicians is mirrored in the race/ethnicity of current medical students across the nation. In 2017-2018, there were a total of 89,904 medical students enrolled in U.S. medical schools, with 7% of those medical students who identified as African American (AAMC, 2019). This narrative qualitative study examined the lived experiences of three African American pre-medical and three African American medical students to understand their challenges and supports while pursuing a medical degree. Through semi-structured interviews, the study explored the academic, professional and social experiences that influenced their persistence from undergraduate through medical school completion. This study employed Critical Race Theory (CRT) to identify and address how racism, oppression, and power impact the lives of these African American students. Findings of the research indicated that African American underrepresented minorities in medicine experienced similar encounters of racism and oppression at the "Three Levels of Racism" (Jones, 2000), institutional racism, personally mediated racism and internalized racism, throughout their journey to become a doctor. Recommendations to disrupt all forms of racism, allowing students to gain a sense of belonging and academic persistence are related to increasing the African American physician workforce to increase URM mentorship; academic, social and mental health wrap around services; financial support; institutional leaders committed to equity and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles; and creating meaningful URM pipeline programs starting at the elementary school level. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]