Everything we do flows through the Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self-Development.
Educational, emotional, and personal support for young Black males and their families — from elementary through high school, one Saturday at a time.
In the fall of 1989, The Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, Inc. (CBMM), under the leadership auspices of its Standing Committee on Education, initiated The Paul Robeson Institute for Positive Self-Development (PRI). PRI was founded to provide a vehicle of educational, emotional and personal support to young Black males and their families.
Predicated on the grounds that Black children and their families are at acute risk in today's society, the Institute was formed to provide a range of early intervention and self-awareness options for elementary through high school age youth and their families.
In an effort to combat today's disinterest in learning; to negate the celebration of violence and self-destruction; to eradicate the need for substance-abuse dependency; and to offset negative self-image reinforcement, CBMM assertively modeled an infrastructure that targets "Striving for Excellence" in mind, body and spirit as a paramount goal for daily living. The Institute is modeled in name and spirit after Paul Robeson — an African-American male whose life's work served as a paragon of achievement, strength, intellect, sensitivity, and self-conviction sufficient to overcome tremendous odds.
In a time when peer-group pressure has supplanted the family as the primary influence shaping a child's values, and mass media has become the pabulum for value information, there is a critical need for leadership, mentorship, and positive role-model exposure that challenges the apathy and fear governing the lives of our youth, their families and communities. PRI is designed to offer longitudinal strategic alternatives to these by-products of centuries of neglect and institutional racism.
Boston, MA · Since 1989
Every Saturday, PRI students are mentored by compassionate, loving Black men who model how a successful, fulfilling life can be built. From our opening Harambee to the closing "Circle of Love," we are all our brother's keepers. For much of our history the Institute met every Saturday; in recent years it runs 20+ sessions and special events across each season.
"All pull together" — the opening call.
A call-and-response recitation of the seven principles of Kwanzaa by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
Closing in brotherhood, every week.
We believe our students are capable of making positive choices that lead to productive lives, and that poverty and racial discrimination are not insurmountable barriers to success. With positive mentorship by successful, concerned Black men — and exposure to new concepts, strategies, and opportunities — our students make choices that let them thrive as individuals and as leaders in our community.
Recognizing that parents are vital to the development of young men, PRI embraces parents and encourages their participation. Parents come to trust the program's commitment to their sons and rely on PRI volunteers — always working in pairs — who facilitate problem-solving sessions between parents and sons during Saturday sessions and during the week through home visits.
To counter the impact of poverty and racial discrimination, PRI provides a structure for success built on the Nguzo Saba — a communitarian African philosophy comprising the seven principles of Kwanzaa. While Kwanzaa is celebrated once a year, these principles are the cornerstone of what we instill in our young men every Saturday. Every PRI session begins and concludes with a call-and-response recitation of the Nguzo Saba.
Many Black families navigate environments shaped by poverty and racial discrimination — circumstances that often require parents to work two jobs, leaving limited time for their children and little community support for families who are struggling. PRI counters this with structure, mentorship, and a community in which we are all our brother's keepers.
From our opening Harambee, with the call-and-response recitation of the Nguzo Saba, to the closing "Circle of Love" — where the boys acknowledge the things for which they are thankful — PRI students are infused with the idea that personal responsibility builds strong communities. There is an expectation of high achievement and success, and a responsibility to give back.
PRI members are comprised of three distinct groups, each assigned two leader-mentors under the direction of two program Co-Directors. Through open enrollment, the Institute welcomes young men of color ages 7–19, primarily from the Boston Public Schools and Greater Boston.
Our elementary school students — the youngest members of the Institute, beginning their journey of positive self-development.
Our middle school students, growing in confidence and character as they move toward young adulthood.
Our high school students, preparing for the responsibilities and opportunities of life beyond PRI.
On average, each student receives more than 104 hours of programming every year, including an embedded learning curriculum and STEM-disciplined support. More than 120 boys take part in the Paul Robeson Institute, primarily from the Boston Public Schools and Greater Boston.
Through open enrollment, PRI welcomes young men of color ages 7–19, primarily from the Boston Public Schools and Greater Boston. Start your son's journey with us.
Submit the admission application to begin, then complete the Consent to Participate & Release form so your son can take part in every Saturday session, field trip, and activity.
Your gift funds programming, field trips, and meals for the young men of the Paul Robeson Institute — or give your time, wisdom, and presence as a mentor.
