Academic Roots and African Mythos
Troy’s academic journey reflects a lifelong curiosity about how the world works, both physically and societally. At an amazing Historically Black College and University (HBCU), he pursued studies in Mechanical Engineering and Physics, developing the analytical discipline that continues to shape his thinking. He also earned a degree in Political Science, inspired in part by a Ghanaian professor and mentor who deepened his appreciation for history, culture, power, and the forces that shape societies. He later earned a Master’s degree in Management. This distinctive combination of scientific inquiry, historical perspective, and organizational understanding forms the intellectual foundation of his storytelling.
The drive to write the Nguvu na Utulivu universe was born from a desire to see historical fiction and epic fantasy that honors the mythic scale of ancient African civilizations. Through kingdoms like Yam, Kerma, Kush, Nok, and Bachwezi, Troy explores how memory is carried across generations, how societies govern themselves against impossible odds, and what happens when the calculus of trust is broken.
Beyond the Page
When he is not writing, Troy is actively building. He frequently develops frameworks, custom web applications and database architectures using PHP and SQLite. He is deeply invested in corporate frameworks, frequently writing and presenting on Customer Value Engineering, Product Value Engineering, and Total Employee Investment.
He is also dedicated to empowering the next generation of builders and thinkers. Troy serves as an advisor for the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Education, the NCCU Fab Lab, and sits on the board of directors for Parents With Dreams, assisting with fundraising strategies to provide vital scholarships to custodial single-parents pursuing higher education and industry credentials.
What Is Next
Troy is currently deep into the development of his second book in the series. Expanding the timeline into The Wayfinder: Journeys of an Exile, the upcoming saga will explore how two cultures separated by the Great Water learn the difficult, often painful work of holding a fragile alliance together. This is not the story of who was right. It is the story of who survived long enough to define what “right” would mean.