Black Boys & Men
Black boys and men face particular challenges
In a time where all boys and men confront new challenges in school, work, and family life, Black boys and men face particular disadvantages. We pay special attention to their needs and hardships.
We can see this systemic disadvantage across many measures. At every stage of education, from elementary school through graduation Black men’s outcomes are distinctively lower than those of white men and Black women. In employment, Black men earn less and are less likely to rise up the economic ladder than white men. As adults, Black men raised in affluent families have lower employment rates than white men raised in poverty.
Curated Content
Check out our resources related to Black boys and men
Research Black Boys & Men
The New Race Gap in Drug Overdose Deaths: The Rising Toll on Black Men
Overdose rates for Black and AI/AN men have surged, driven by fentanyl. Learn about the racial disparities and urgent need for targeted intervention.
Men at Work: Trends and Metrics
Explore male workforce trends by race, age, and education with data on unemployment, participation, and earnings from BLS and CPS.
Unnatural Male Deaths: Fatal Injuries and the Rise of Drug Overdoses
Fatal injuries have surged since 2020, mainly among men. Top causes: drug overdoses, suicide, and car accidents, with drug deaths up six-fold since 2001.
The State of Working Class Men
This report outlines the current state of America’s working class men and describes recent trends in the key areas of employment, earnings, health, and family.
HBCUs at a Crossroads: Addressing the Decline in Black Male Enrollment
Black men now make up only 26% of students at HBCUs, down from 38% in 1976, leading to fewer benefiting from the supportive environment these institutions offer.
Dads Rock: The Evidence
The evidence is clear: Dads matter; they are doing more fathering than ever; they bring something extra to parenting; and they want to do more.
Six Facts on Men’s Health
Men face significant health challenges. Compared to women, men have a lower life expectancy, higher COVID-19 mortality rates, and are four times more likely to die by suicide. However, there are very few public health goals and covered preventive services for men.
Educational Achievement and Progression by Gender in Washington: 6 Key Takeaways
Washington State Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on the challenges boys and men face in Washington State
commentary Black Boys & Men
Melinda French Gates invests in boys and men: a new era for gender equality
Melinda French Gates is investing in boys and men, showing that the gender equality movement has space for men and boys without sacrificing its focus on women and girls. AIBM President Richard Reeves has been selected to direct a portion of these investments.
The Pastor, the Scout Leader, and the School Principal: How three Black men showed me how to be a man
Frederick J. Riley shares a reflection on his upbringing and the impactful role models who shaped his life. Raised by a single mother in challenging circumstances, Frederick and his twin brother defied statistics that often dictate a bleak future for young men of color.
To Save Democracy, Help Men
Read about the link between why we should help men, political extremism, and threats to democracy.
Why Washington State should create a Commission on Boys and Men
Lawmakers in Washington State may be about to lead the nation by establishing a bipartisan Commission on Boys and Men.
The math gap that’s not what you think it is
Plus: discussing loneliness with the Surgeon General and a landmark essay on masculinity
Some news I can’t wait to share: AIBM
Why I'm founding the American Institute for Boys and Men
Into the vacuum demons pour
Why neglecting male issues is bad for our culture and politics
Commentary
The Pastor, the Scout Leader, and the School Principal: How three Black men showed me how to be a man