Boston released Phase 1 of a comprehensive study examining barriers and opportunities for Black men and boys across the city, incorporating feedback from over 2,000 residents. Launched in August 2024, the Black Male Equity Study was conducted by the city's Office of Black Male Advancement in collaboration with the Tury Research Institute.
The assessment combined citywide survey data, stakeholder interviews, deliberative engagement sessions and community outreach to examine inequities in housing, health, education, and economic opportunity. Residents consistently identified barriers including limited access to living-wage jobs, housing instability and affordability pressures, education inequities, and health disparities with insufficient access to culturally responsive mental health care.
The study also listed 11 community-identified priorities for action: living-wage jobs and workforce pathways, housing affordability and anti-displacement measures, practical access including transportation and childcare, education quality, mentorship and role models, trust and cultural fit, community safety, criminal legal system barriers, mental health support, physical health access, and better visibility of available programs.
"Phase 1 of the Equity Study represents a critical milestone in our commitment to advancing equity for Black men and boys in Boston," said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. "By centering community voices alongside rigorous data, we now have a clearer understanding of both the barriers and the opportunities ahead."
Over the next year, Phase 2 will develop a comprehensive citywide resource guide covering 150 city resources across 50 departments, a centralized data dashboard showcasing data from city departments, and an asset map of services for which Black male residents are eligible.