Black Male Advancement
Our office strives to improve outcomes and reduce systemic barriers to advancement for Black men and boys living in Boston.
The Office of Black Male Advancement works to empower Black men and boys. We want to ensure they have equitable access to opportunities in the City. As part of our work, we focus on policies, programs, resources, and local and national partnerships.
Our goal is to ensure Black men and boys have support to thrive and share in our City’s prosperity. Our office also directs and supports the efforts of the Black Men and Boys Commission.
2025 Community Empowerment Summit
We invite you to the 2025 Empowerment Summit, hosted by the Mayor's Office of Black Male Advancement.
This flagship event will feature remarks from Roxbury Community College President and Mayor Michelle Wu. The summit will center on a Fireside Chat under the theme of "Owning our Future", as well as a panel discussion on building bridges for action, featuring Black leaders across Boston. Join us on March 7th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center. We hope to see you there! Register Today!
Upcoming Events
Events2025 Community Empowerment Grants
The 2025 Community Empowerment Grants recently closed on January 17th, and we are now in the review period. Applicants can expect to hear back in the coming weeks.
The Community Empowerment Small Grants are awarded to local community-based organizations to scale up their work. This year, a total of $500,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Boston's various neighborhoods.
Timeline and Information Dates:
- Application Launch Date: December 3, 2024
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Information Session: Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 12 p.m. Missed it? You can view the slide deck we reviewed here.
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Application Deadline: January 6, 2025 (EXTENDED: JANUARY 17TH)
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Award Notification: Changed - Early March 2025
Launch of BMA Newsletter
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the BMA Newsletter!
In each issue, we highlight key initiatives from the past month as part of our steadfast advocacy for Black men and boys in our community, as well as upcoming events. Subscribe Today
- Read First Newsletter - November 2024 (Introducing BMA)
- December 2024 Newsletter
(Community Empowerment Grants, Commission Updates) - January 2025 Newsletter (Year in Review)
- February 2025 Newsletter
(Empowerment Summit, Black History Month, BMA Reads +)
Programs
Black Male Advancement Small Grant Fund
Our fund allows community-based organizations serving the Black male community in Boston to apply for between $2,500 to $7,500 in grants.
My Brother's Keeper Boston
In 2014, President Obama started the national initiative My Brother's Keeper. We want to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by youth across the U.S.
Young Black Leaders Boston
A program for young Black males in Boston’s high school who want to become more civically engaged and leaders in their communities.
Project Opportunity
Helping create resources and opportunities for residents with CORIs.
R.E.A.C.H 1000 Mentoring
An effort to support mentoring programs across BPS and support youth development
Black Men and Boys Commission
The commission advises the Mayor on issues pertaining to Black men and boys and implements initiatives to improve outcomes for Black life in Boston.
View an Office of Black Male Advancement presentation on the state of Black men in Boston.
View an Office of BMA City Resource List for Black men, boys & families in Boston.
A report outlining the 20 action steps that will help guide Black Male Advancement’s 2024 priorities and objectives
The Black Men & Boy's Commission releases FY25 Budget Recommendations.
After the Black Men's Mental Health Symposium at Harvard University, a BMA Mental Health Resource Guide is now available.
Press Coverage
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Team









