He was interested in pursuing a career in journalism , but as an African American he found no opportunities in the mainstream press .
The first member of his family to attend college , Payne graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1964 with a degree in English .
Payne was interested in pursuing a career in journalism , but as an African American Payne found no opportunities in the mainstream press .
The first member of his family to attend college , Payne graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1964 with a degree in English .