This study is part of recent efforts to fill the research gaps in access to doctoral education for underrepresented students, with primary focus on Black students. This case study of an elite research university was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 5 Black PhD students in order to learn about their aspirations and decisions to enter the doctoral education pipeline in the context of their own narratives. The findings from these narratives revealed salient factors about our participants' journeys into doctoral studies, including complex relationships with faculty, challenging campus racial climates, Black scholars seeking to advance Black communities, the significant role of financial aid, and meaningful employment and familial networks.