"Improving the quality of the Black community by reaffirming the vitality of the Black male."
For 37 years, Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts has stood beside young Black men through the Paul Robeson Institute — a fellowship built on brotherhood, presence, and purpose.
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 on June 21, 1989.
For more than 30 years, CBMM has sponsored the Paul Robeson Institute (PRI), our Saturday school for positive self-development — a fellowship of men giving their time, wisdom, and presence to the next generation, week after week.
Today CBMM is an established charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization: men working in spirited cooperation with Black women, dedicated to family and community cohesiveness through education, social and cultural principles, and economic interdependence. We impact communities through a holistic — academic, physical, and spiritual — approach to service delivery.
Boston, MA
Ten men met to discuss the quality-of-life issues facing African Americans.
Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts is formally incorporated.
Sponsoring the Paul Robeson Institute Saturday school for our youth.
An established charitable, tax-exempt nonprofit built on brotherhood.
Drag or scroll across the milestones that built CBMM and the Paul Robeson Institute.
Ten men of different backgrounds and disciplines who came together with one shared vision. Hover to meet them.
A holistic approach to service delivery requires spirited collaboration. CBMM has established effective, long-term relationships with like-minded organizations that open doors far beyond the classroom — mountains, oceans, and brotherhoods that last a lifetime.
Makes the outdoors accessible and meaningful to urban and at-risk youth. Led by CBMM mentors who have completed AMC's Outdoor Leadership Training, PRI students enjoy hiking, camping, snowshoeing and canoeing. Through this outdoor program our young men build:
Annually invite the young men of the Paul Robeson Institute to join them for deep-sea fishing on a chartered craft — multiple generations sharing a love of fishing and the beauty of the open sea.
CBMM and the Kappas have worked closely on youth leadership, resulting in the Boston Kappa Leadership Development League, where high school students meet monthly to discuss community challenges and lead service projects.
The men of Alpha Phi Alpha commit annually to educating our young men on healthy decision-making through their Project Alpha curriculum, delivered via multimedia presentations and small-group discussions.
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.
Whether you give, mentor, or simply show up — there's a place for you in this fellowship.