by Camille Busette, Keon L. Gilbert, Calvin Bell
via Brookings: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/community-perspectives-on-well-being-for-black-boys/?utm_source=pocket_shared
Over the past four decades, there have been significant global discussions about the nuances of well-being and how governments can support the well-being of their populations. In 2015, as this discussion matured, the United Nations (UN) developed and launched its 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, displaying 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The United States has also prioritized well-being alongside these global efforts in its Healthy People 2030 Goals. Well-being is, therefore, an important focus of public policy and public expenditures, both in the U.S. and internationally.
The U.S. is an incredibly diverse nation with significant disparities in health and well-being outcomes. In fact, a persistent characteristic of the American landscape is that health and well-being are frequently determined by zip code, income, and race. Blacks, Latinos, and Native Americans experience, on average, worse health and well-being outcomes than their white counterparts. And Black men, given their particularly precarious position in U.S. society, suffer some of the worst health outcomes relative to other demographic groups. However, some areas show higher economic success and longevity for Black men. Understanding the factors driving well-being in these communities can help shape policies that promote better outcomes.
Black men are living longer and experiencing greater social mobility in cities and 66 counties with higher employment, lower poverty, greater educational attainment, less racism, and strong father presence in the community. These areas, often near major employers like military bases or public sector jobs, tend to be more racially diverse than places with higher mortality rates and lower economic mobility for Black men. Examples include Montgomery County, Md., and Cochise County, Ariz., which provide conditions more conducive to the well-being of Black boys and men.
Discussions on well-being often overlook communities of color, creating a critical information vacuum in policymaking and public budgetary decisions. While data offer insights into supportive environments for Black boys and men, the Brookings Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion (RPI) team sought to learn directly from communities about how they define well-being. The Wellness in Black Life (#WIBL) initiative fosters community conversations about well-being for Black boys and men and prioritizes community engagement in the public policymaking process. Community gatherings in Little Rock, Ark., Montgomery County, Md., and Baltimore, Md., are ongoing.
So, what are we hearing? Community members emphasize the need to consider Black male well-being across all life stages and the role of support systems during life transitions. Many Black men and boys describe feeling isolated but highlight the importance of social connections, making safe spaces for Black boys and men to gather informally critical to well-being.
For Black boys, the social networks that develop in and around schools are essential to leading emotionally, physically, and socially healthy lives both in childhood and adulthood. Our previous work demonstrates how social networks are linked to better economic outcomes, which reinforces what we are hearing from our community conversations about the importance of schools and social networks for Black boys. Many community members have spoken about the importance of feeling heard, seen, and supported in school—experiences that shaped their development, joy, and sense of possibility during childhood.
While numerous programs support Black boys in navigating often hostile school environments, fewer efforts focus on shaping public policy agendas and implementation strategies that promote their well-being. Community discussions reveal that segregation, discrimination, and limited resources for extracurricular activities hinder efforts to prioritize Black boys’ well-being. Black boys, men, and their communities have had few opportunities to contribute to the generation of evidence or to participate in evidence-based decision-making on education, employment, and health policies that directly impact their outcomes.
These discussions have energized community members to develop their own public policy agendas to support the well-being of Black boys. While this agenda continues to take shape, it is clear that community members seek engagement with government officials on mental health resources, transportation, and public safety policies. Amplifying their voices is essential to shaping policies that allow Black boys to experience childhood with optimism, feel acknowledged and celebrated in school and community spaces, and build connections with peers and supportive adults. Communities are defining well-being on their own terms and outlining the policies needed to support their vision. Community-driven initiatives like highlight the unique needs of different communities and the importance of elevating diverse voices in shaping health and well-being policies.
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