The well-being of Black boys and men is vital to the economic and health outcomes of Black families and the communities where they live, therefore it’s important across communities in the United States. When Black boys have the opportunity to experience a normal childhood, with supportive family connections and communities, and positive engagement with the economy, they become Black men who can mentor younger generations, build important social networks, and provide both emotional and financial support to their families and communities.
Yet, narratives dating back hundreds of years seek to undermine this perfectly normal set of expectations for Black boys and men. Throughout American history, Black boys and men have been uniquely characterized using derogatory and degrading language. Black boys and men are negatively portrayed as brutes, thugs, drug dealers, criminals, absentee fathers, and uneducated, to name a few portrayals and narratives seen in media, popular culture, politics, and social commentary. When positive examples do appear, the success of Black boys and men is often framed as miraculous, portraying them as exceptional individuals who overcame the traps of poverty, transcended the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household, or built an exceptional character, stellar aptitude, and tenacious grit.
The frequent repetition of Black boys and men as societal failures seeps into policy preferences, proposals, and discourse, and such negative narratives permeate the design and implementation of programs, services, and policies.
These narratives influence access to resources that can spur social and economic mobility and health resources that can improve quality of life. In response, the Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative team undertook a two-year partnership with multiple local communities to redefine this narrative and to have Black boys and men define what it means to experience well-being. Research has shown that positive narratives of Black boys and men enhance strategies to navigate discriminatory experiences and promote resilience. Many interventions that include mentoring, supportive networks, and addressing social needs will improve well-being and health outcomes. Our goal was to have Black boys and men lead the definition of well-being and determine how public policies and other approaches can be leveraged to promote wellness in Black life.
The Brookings Institution partnered with four community organizations for a multi-year project to explore the question: What is well-being for Black boys and men?
The most important strategy of this project was to work directly with communities as we explored definitions of well-being for Black boys and men. To do this, the Brookings team worked with community organizations to convene multiple community conversations in three locations: Little Rock, Arkansas; Baltimore, Maryland; and Montgomery County, Maryland. As a result, an initial part of the engagement process was establishing partnerships with four local organizations to enhance outreach, recruitment, and facilitation efforts. The organizational partners included:
- The Urban League of the State of Arkansas and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA), who served as local partners in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Montgomery County Collaboration Council (MCCC), in Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP), in conjunction with the Haywood Burns Institute, in Baltimore, Maryland
Working with community partners, the WIBL project adopted three goals:
- Elevate the experiences of communities of color that contribute to the vibrancy of their communities, state, regions, and the country
- Ensure that communities of focus have shared ownership of the project across all phases and continue efforts to support the well-being of Black boys and men after the project ends
- Inform public policy discussions and decision-making processes at the local, state, and national levels about how to invest in the well-being of Black boys and men in communities across the U.S.
The multiple conversations across these three locations were facilitated by our community partners. For more information on our methodology, please see our separate technical report.
Community at the Urban League of the State of Arkansas. Credit: Joseph Crew
Community at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas. Credit: Corrigan Revels
Community at Montgomery County Collaboration Council for Children, Youth, and Families. Credit: Naaman Brown
Community at Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs in Baltimore, MD. Credit: Naaman Brown
When we asked our community partners about a lesson learned or insights they learned from how they engaged with their respective communities on this project, one partner attributed their success to: “Years of relationship and never over asking, show and prove.” Following the “show and prove” approach, we want to “show” how Black men conceive of the concepts of well-being and illustrate examples of how to enhance well-being through programs and policies. We use the term “dimensions” of well-being as a way to organize the major themes discussed below.
Throughout this report, we examine both the role of narrative change and the structural challenges shaping the well-being of Black boys and men. The findings below highlight how participants describe the lives they aspire to, the circumstances they seek to remedy or change, and the futures they hope to create for Black boys. Addressing structural barriers begins with communities taking stock of current realities and envisioning how different conditions can influence life trajectories while fostering more positive opportunities for younger generations.
Well-being as thriving and health promoting
Participants noted that the WIBL project provided an open space for Black men to build community and share their authentic selves in ways that supported their well-being. These spaces offered opportunities to articulate what thriving and growth mean to them and to envision the futures they want to create.
… feeling a sense of belonging and [that] I'm supposed to be here, like this is where I'm supposed to be right now. And I feel really well about being here tonight. And this is going to improve my wellness and my well-being.
Montgomery County, Maryland
I think making sure we have human connection. As Black men, my diagnosis, self-included, I think we are some of the loneliest, most isolated people in the world, even in this space. I think we're already ahead of a lot of people, but you can have a conversation for years and it'll take you years to get to anything of substance. And so, I feel like if you're in a cave alone, then they physically get sick because we need human connection. And so, I think wellness, for me, is human connection, and for Black men it's particularly important.
Montgonery County, Maryland
Individual well-being
Well-being was defined at the individual level by how participants understood their authentic identity, sense of place, and purpose in life. Their reflections shaped a narrative that recognized life would not always be perfect or easy. Yet, with skills, access to resources, support from others, faith, good health, and perseverance, they believed it was possible to meet basic needs and achieve success.
I believe defining well-being is just being [in] a place in life where you can live in your truth and not have to be really worried or concerned about just being you.
Little Rock, Arkansas
… purpose, being purpose-driven. There was a point in time in my life where I was waking up with no purpose, and comparing it to the time I'm living, waking up with a purpose, is completely different.
Montgomery County, Maryland
And so, happiness is definitely a goal in life. We all want to have happiness, and that's a part of well-being, or maybe a result of it.
Baltimore, Maryland
Family well-being
Across the conversations, many participants emphasized family as central to their identity, a foundation of support, and a core network sustaining Black boys and men. Adult participants noted that as they begin to build families of their own, they want to ensure their loved ones also experience well-being. Some also reflected on difficult family dynamics in childhood or adulthood, noting how those experiences shape their sense of wellness and inform the decisions they make to counter such challenges.
They saw other family members, the same uncles that raised me now raised them, so they have a support team. I intentionally put them around [my kids] to see what I saw [and] get what I got, so they can see what made me. And then also developed them to be better than me. Yes, this was my whole goal.
Little Rock, Arkansas
I think one part of what well-being is having a good support system in addition to everything else everyone's just saying.
Montgomery County, Maryland
This is a picture of mom and dad, and they were my foundation. And what my dad went through then...they called them Negroes back then in World War II. The struggles that they had, I draw strength from them every day.
Baltimore, Maryland
Community
The meaning and impact of well-being for Black boys and men are deeply shaped by their immediate communities. In many cases, community itself becomes an extension of family—encompassing the people and organizations that provide resources, safety, support, and the freedom to be vulnerable.
I feel like what defines that well-being is collectively getting together ... to reach back, like it was said before, and bring up our young Black men into a world that they can profit, they can benefit, and they can strive and survive in.
Little Rock, Arkansas
So, well-being, it's like knowing that there's people who want well for you too, and being around those people, regardless of what, where, what you're doing, where you're coming from, how much you got.
Little Rock, Arkansas
So, wellness, to me, is community. It really is. I keep seeking out people and just seeking out that communal living, because every time I have that, I feel safe, I feel well. I don't know how to describe it any better ... I know when I'm not well because I'm not around people who can encourage me. When I'm well, I'm with community.
Montgomery County, Maryland
Resources
Participants emphasized the need for resources—and the redistribution of resources—as part of an ongoing strategy to enhance the well-being of Black boys and men. They acknowledged that while many resources already exist within their communities to strengthen social and health outcomes, these often require tailoring to meet current needs and interests. Participants also highlighted the potential to leverage resources to create new programs and services that support education, workforce development, and family dynamics across the life course. In these conversations, resources were frequently described as tools to help “fix” broken structures and systems.
We don't have a short list of challenges, and you can't fix everything with the same tool. So, some actual people need not just financial resources, but actually things to address problems that have gone on for generations and just have never been addressed so they [are] being passed down in a real way.
Little Rock, Arkansas
We also got to dabble into what seemed like the well-being part of that, which is like building a foundation within your house, making sure that the things are being done appropriately in your house, whether you are financially stable, to do great things, or just financially stable to survive, but to make sure that your household is right.
Little Rock, Arkansas
It's a stressful thing, but it's a well-being feeling of knowing that right now I don't really got to check my account. I remember not knowing if I got that in the account.
Montgomery County, Maryland
Safe and supportive spaces and people
Community partners and participants helped ensure this project created a safe space for conversation, emotional expression, healing, therapeutic moments, disagreement, and community building. Participants noted that these kinds of spaces are ones they would like to access more regularly, even beyond the life of the project.
I feel like a big part of that was my foundation, and it started at the house. I just had a solid foundation starting from home. So now it's wherever I do go, no matter the company, or if its faith, at church, at my internship, or just on campus, I'm just able to be safe and free and vulnerable to myself that even if my external conditions don't allow for that, I'm good, because I'm me.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Boys and Girls Club [and other] after school activities, they provide a different environment. Like one of the gentlemen were saying back here, about football practice. They provide a different environment than the neighborhood that most Black boys and men are growing up in.
Baltimore, Maryland
… going to college and then joining a fraternity. But those are two very elite, elitist type [of] experiences. And only 6% of the world is college educated, so you see what I'm saying. So, like how realistic is that? Why does he have to wait until he gets to college to find community amongst other Black men?
Baltimore, Maryland
The church is a gathering space, a way for us to get all on the same page, for us to get the energy we need to get through the week.
Montgomery County, Maryland
I think fraternities serve a really, really effective role in our respective communities. Brotherhood, fellowshipping, service to the communities, giving back, fundraising, every last one of the Divine Nine northern non-Greek organizations.
Montgomery County, Maryland
I would say, HBCUs.
Montgomery County, Maryland
Creating a narrative change
The views, perspectives, and stereotypes shaping the identities of Black boys and men have often been harmful. Participants sought to offer alternative narratives that portray Black boys and men as complex, emotional, and responsible, rather than reducing them to one-dimensional caricatures. They also noted that certain social circumstances, such as incarceration, have influenced perceptions of Black manhood and are often treated as mundane, normal, or even “cool.” Participants described these narratives as detrimental to the long-term health and well-being of Black boys and men and emphasized the need to challenge and minimize them.
Whatever state you're in, Black man, that's who you are. So, we always get caught up in the community, trying to compartmentalize what we should be and what we should look like, how we should think. I'm sorry. There is no true mode for what a Black man is other than a Black man. That's it. Each one has a different mode. We have a whole lot of similarities. We have a lot of stuff in common, a lot. We have the same struggles. But, to just try to put us in a box with the hashtag of Black boy joy, because then what happens when you have the white man joy, the white woman joy, then it diminishes what that is. But you can never diminish what a Black man did just by him being exactly who he is.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Our success stories, our storytelling is [missing]. We got to do better job in telling our story … There's value in the story. There's value in people who look like you hearing a story about a person that is very similar to them, whether it be their background or their everyday life.
Little Rock, Arkansas
So, one of the stereotypes I was thinking about was how, from the outside, we take initiative to be 'too cool to do something.' This is a stereotype that leads us to not take care of ourselves.
Montgomery County, Maryland
And I found that through my voice, Black boys [and] Black men need to know how to talk. You can't fight your way out of it; you need to talk. And that's your saving grace. You make an ally.
Montgomery County, Maryland
Some of the things that you … might want to think about … is how does he feel about his life? How is he feeling in it? Not just what these are sort of on paper, what he looks like, what is his life satisfaction? What is it? And then you can eventually get to these ... What are these aspirations?... So, I think what I'm hearing from some of the conversation is , right now, this person does exist in Baltimore, but there's limited access to this for a lot of people. So, we'll eventually get to the point in this world where all these are the typical headlines about Black men, right?
Baltimore, Maryland
Mental and emotional well-being
Health was one of the most common ways participants discussed well-being. Their reflections suggested that well-being should be approached holistically, integrating multiple identities and dimensions of health. Participants noted that Black boys and men often deny themselves opportunities to explore their whole selves and that external influences frequently limit their understanding of what well-being can be.
I definitely think that's something we need to change. We don't need to change that our children are emotional. We need to change that people are looking at our men in this way. What is the problem with our men being emotional? We have the right to be that, and I think our men should have the right to be that as well. At the end of the day, they need just as much support as we do, especially this day and age, especially given that our Black men go through things that other men don't. They should be able to come to us as their mothers, fathers, sisters, cousins, everything, and be able to express it the same way we did. So no, I get that. I understand that. I'm just saying we should change that, like as a community, we should be trying to change that.
Baltimore, Maryland
Many of the solutions generated across community sites focused on improving the physical and mental health of Black boys and men. Participants recognized that when Black boys and men are healthy, they are better able to thrive. When facing health challenges, they emphasized the importance of seeking help, relying on friends and family networks for support, and having accessible resources. Conversations also highlighted recommendations for programs, services, trainings, and policies that support well-being across the life course and reflect the diverse roles and identities of Black boys and men. Examples included support for residential and non-residential fathers, as well as mentorship or apprenticeship programs offering vocational training. Other strategies included:
- Create and support safe spaces for Black boys and men to talk, network, share experiences, and exchange resources, with particular attention to those who are most vulnerable.
- Enhance financial literacy through programs, workshops, and other opportunities that prepare Black boys and men for financial stability.
- Strengthen workforce development to support not only job preparation but also long-term career building. Sustained engagement and preparation can promote social mobility, increase representation across economic sectors, and enhance communities’ readiness for shifts in career-based industries.
- Expand education, training, and apprenticeship programs that facilitate career entry and transitions, especially in response to shifts from manufacturing to technology-based industries. For example, shifts from manufacturing to more technology-based industries can be an area of focus for some development programs.
- Provide life-stage and life-course mentoring to help Black boys and men navigate unique experiences, opportunities, and challenges across their journeys, while supporting their families and communities.
- Build the capacity of youth-serving programs and services to address racial, gender, and sexual identities.
- Identify and prepare community members who are passionate about working with Black boys and men so they can recognize emerging needs and connect participants to resources, services, and programs.
- Increase diverse representation in schools (e.g., teachers, principals) and among policymakers and other community leaders.
The reflections discussed above help illuminate well-being for Black boys and men across the many dimensions that matter to them. First, participants emphasized the importance of conditions that support family and community well-being, including access to resources, safe spaces, and opportunities for fellowship. Second, they highlighted individual well-being, focusing on robust health and access to resources that support physical, financial, and mental health. Finally, participants observed that Black males face the unique and unjust burden of combatting centuries of racism, which manifests in experiences such as social isolation, mental health stress, and broader well-being outcomes.
Below, we discuss ways to operationalize the recommendations emerging from these community conversations. The central theme centers on increasing resources for Black boys and men to build community in safe, dedicated spaces. Partnerships among Black boys and men, community-based organizations, researchers, and policymakers are key to bringing these recommendations to life.
The goal of the Wellness in Black Life project was to collaborate with community members to generate definitions of what well-being means for Black boys and men and to outline public policy agendas and other strategies that can support their well-being. The results of this collaborative effort highlight multiple opportunities for Black boys and men to inform and lead policies that are meaningful for them and their communities. Building on the insights offered by participants, the Brookings Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative team identifies several key opportunities:
First, municipal, state, and federal leaders interested in supporting the vibrancy of Black communities would benefit from working directly with Black boys and men to define policy priorities, strategies, and implementation processes.
Second, political and policy leaders should view the themes generated in this project as benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness of their efforts to support Black boys and men. The indicators and survey tool developed through this project can serve as a starting point for such assessments.
Third, there is a significant opportunity to scale engagement with Black boys and men in articulating what it means to experience well-being and the policies that can support it. Using the collaborative recruitment, convening, and feedback methods central to the Wellness in Black Life project can facilitate this engagement. As participants emphasized, bringing Black boys and men together in safe spaces to focus on their well-being and the well-being of their communities is valuable in itself.
Fourth, policymakers who are representative of these communities are more likely to champion policies that support Black boys and men. Collaborations among organizations focused on training public policy leaders can help create a policymaking framework responsive to the needs and aspirations of these communities.
Finally, funders of public policy and community well-being research can have a significant impact by prioritizing community-based research that focuses on the assets of communities of color. Leveraging these assets to generate programmatic and policy enhancements can create sustainable improvements in social, health, and well-being outcomes.
Perhaps the most important lesson of this collaboration is that engaging Black boys and men in ways that intentionally center their experiences and wisdom is itself an act of narrative change—one that produces lasting positive effects on social health and well-being.
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Authors
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Acknowledgements and disclosures
The Wellness in Black Life team extends sincere thanks to the following individuals for their contributions and support throughout this project: Gabriel R. Sanchez, Carly Bennett, Kwadwo Frimpong, Jane Kaniecki, and Sade Cole. We are also deeply grateful to our interns—Patrick Edwards, Erika Xu, Meilyn Farina, Zachary Affeldt, Calvin Bell, Treasure Evans, Kaitlyn Jung, Ella Tummel, and Karishma Luthra—for their support during this process.
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