Once he realized high school was a competition, Antwan Wilson wanted to win. Unfortunately, he didn’t find out until his junior year — albeit still sooner than many poor, black kids growing up in the United States. Wilson was raised by a mother who’s answer was always “because I said so,” he says. That is why he graduated high school. And went to college.

Now, as Oakland Unified Schools’ superintendent, he’s determined to see all of Oakland’s kids graduate. Because he says so.

This story was featured on a segment of PBS Newshour in June 2015.