The young men and mentors of the Paul Robeson Institute
Since 1989 · Boston, Massachusetts

Caring for our youth, one Saturday at a time.

"Improving the quality of the Black community by reaffirming the vitality of the Black male."

For 37 years, Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts has mentored, taught, and stood beside young Black men through the Paul Robeson Institute — a fellowship built on brotherhood, presence, and purpose.

Support our mission → Explore 37 years
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Our Story
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Ten men. One shared vision. Thirty-seven years of showing up.

In April 1989, ten Black men from different backgrounds and professional disciplines met to discuss the quality-of-life issues facing African Americans. From that meeting evolved Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts — incorporated June 21, 1989.

Today, CBMM is an established 501(c)(3): a fellowship of men working in spirited cooperation with Black women, dedicated to family and community cohesiveness through education, social and cultural principles, and economic interdependence.

PRI volunteers and students together Boston, MA
✦

Mentorship

Men standing beside young men — consistently, week after week.

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Education

The Paul Robeson Institute: a Saturday school for positive self-development.

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Brotherhood

Unity, shared goals, and mutual growth — the foundation of everything we do.

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Community

Rooted in Boston, reaching families across Greater Boston.

A Living Legacy

Thirty-seven years, one Saturday at a time

Drag or scroll across the milestones that built CBMM and the Paul Robeson Institute.

1989
The founding
Ten men meet in April; CBMM is incorporated June 21, 1989 as a 501(c)(3) fellowship.
1989
PRI is born
The Paul Robeson Institute launches as a Saturday school for positive self-development.
1990s
Three cohorts grow
PRI Academy, Boys 2 Men, and D2 take shape — serving boys ages 7 to 19.
2000s
Partnerships expand
AMC, Sea & Surf Anglers, Kappa League, and Project Alpha extend the journey beyond Saturdays.
30+ yrs
Saturdays, year after year
More than three decades of consistent mentorship at Northeastern and across Greater Boston.
2023
Cummings Foundation grantee
Selected in the Cummings Foundation’s $30 Million Grant Program to sustain the next generation.
The Flagship

The Paul Robeson Institute

For over 30 years, our Saturday school has met boys where they are — three cohorts, one continuous journey from childhood to manhood. 120+ young men, 104+ hours a year, at Northeastern University and around Greater Boston.

PRI Academy students
Ages 7–10 · Elementary

PRI Academy

Where the journey begins — curiosity, confidence, and the first lessons of self-development.

Boys 2 Men students
Ages 11–13 · Middle

Boys 2 Men

Guiding young men through the passage into responsibility, identity, and purpose.

D2 high school students
Ages 14–19 · High School

D2

Career aspirations, college pathways, and leadership for the young men closest to launch.

The Saturday
ritual
1

Harambee

"All pull together" — the opening call.

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2

Nguzo Saba

The seven principles, lived out loud.

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3

Circle of Love

Closing in brotherhood, every week.

Watch

See the work in motion

"B3 in the 21st Century" — a conversation on Black men, brotherhood, and building the next generation.

B3 in the 21st Century
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"B3 in the 21st Century"
YouTube · 1:13:10
● Designated Giving

Give with purpose

Every gift goes straight to the work — and now you can direct yours to exactly what moves you. Choose a fund, choose an amount, and your donation is earmarked the moment it's made.

From the PRI Saturday school to the Clyde Neville III memorial scholarship, your generosity carries a name and a purpose.

Make a gift

🔒 Secure donation · processed through PayPal
1 · Choose a fund
Greatest Need
Let CBMM apply it where it matters most
PRI Saturday School
Mentoring, instruction & sessions
Field Trips & Meals
Experiences & nourishment for our youth
Clyde Neville III Scholarship Fund
Honoring his legacy by lifting the next generation
2 · Choose an amount
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You're supporting: Greatest Need
April 1989

The ten who started it all

Ten men of different backgrounds and disciplines who came together with one shared vision. Hover to meet them.

Paul S. Bracy
Paul S. Bracy
M.Ed.
Ronald Crichlow
Ronald Crichlow
J. Keith Motley
J. Keith Motley
Ph.D.
Donald Brown
Donald Brown
Ed.D.
Alan Dobson
Alan Dobson
Edgar E. Smith
Edgar E. Smith
Ph.D.
Dan Bunch
Dan Bunch
Sandy Francis
Sandy Francis
M.Ed.
Ernest Washington, Jr.
Ernest Washington, Jr.
Clarence Williams
Clarence Williams
Ph.D.
Beyond Saturdays

Partners on the journey

The Institute opens doors far beyond the classroom — mountains, oceans, and brotherhoods that last a lifetime.

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Appalachian Mountain Club

Youth Opportunities outdoor program — wilderness, resilience, and the open trail.

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Sea & Surf Anglers

Deep-sea fishing trips that build patience, teamwork, and a love of the water.

♔

Kappa Alpha Psi

The Kappa League — guided mentorship and leadership for young men.

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Alpha Phi Alpha

Project Alpha — education, empowerment, and responsible manhood.

★ Major Supporter

Proud grantee of the Cummings Foundation

CBMM is honored to be a recipient of the Cummings Foundation's landmark $30 Million Grant Program — a partnership that sustains the Paul Robeson Institute and our work with young men and families across Greater Boston, year after year.

Visit the Cummings Foundation →
$30M
Grant Program
Proud Recipient

Be part of the next 37 years.

Whether you give, mentor, or simply show up — there's a place for you in this fellowship.

Donate now → Become a mentor