Expanding to Serve Nearly 400 Youth, Parents, and Educators
Roxbury, Massachusetts – September 5, 2025 – The Black Boy Joy Summit (BBJS), presented by CCM Education Group, returns for its second year with a bold vision: to serve nearly 400 youth, parents, caregivers, and educators. Following a groundbreaking inaugural event in 2024 that drew almost 300 attendees, speakers, volunteers, and community partners to the Summit, it has quickly become one of Boston’s most anticipated community gatherings, dedicated to celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Black and Brown boys.
2024 Impact at a Glance
- 150+ youth (ages 10–18) served
- 50+ adults (parents, caregivers, educators) engaged
- 18 workshops, an art studio, and a caregiver village
- 10 community partners who provided real-time support and resources
- 90% of attendees would recommend BBJS to a friend
A full recap of last year’s Summit is available via Boston Neighborhood News.
This Year’s Theme and Lineup
The 2025 theme, “Bigger: We’re Built to Thrive,” amplifies the mission of BBJS to create inclusive, affirming spaces where Black and Brown boys can embrace their joy, genius, and potential.
Featured speakers include:
- Rahsaan Hall, CEO, Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
- Imari Paris-Jeffries, President & CEO, Embrace Boston
- Bernard King, CEO & Founder, United Colors of Survival
- Vladimir Louissaint, CEO & Founder, The Embrace Method
Event Details
🗓️ October 18, 2025
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
📍 Bruce Bolling Building, 2300 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Notable 2024 Supporters
BBJS has already drawn recognition and support from state, city, and community leaders, including:
- Gov. Maura Healey
- Sen. Liz Miranda
- Sec. Pat Tutwiler
- Hon. Julia Mejia
- Hon. Ruthzee Louijene
- Dr. De’Shawn Washington
Mission Statement
“Empowering Black and Brown Boys to Embrace Their Joy, Genius, and Potential in an Inclusive Space Designed Just for Them.”
Vision
A future where every young Black and Brown male feels valued, connected, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
About the Black Boy Joy Summit
The Black Boy Joy Summit is a pioneering event based in Roxbury, MA, that celebrates the Black and Brown experience and contributions to history and culture. Its mission is to provide youth and their allies with a live experience that fosters empowerment, wellness, creativity, and leadership. Through workshops, mentorship, and intergenerational community building, the Summit cultivates resilience, confidence, and pride.
About the Founder
Craig Aarons-Martin is a nationally recognized educator and leader with 20+ years of service in the Greater Boston area, founder of Brown Boys of Boston EdCamp, recipient of the 2009 Boston Educator of the Year Award, and the 2018 Massachusetts Elementary Principal of the Year & National Distinguished Principal. As CEO of CCM Education Group, Aarons-Martin continues to advance equity-driven leadership, powered to create thriving spaces of belonging
👉🏽 For more information on volunteering, sponsorships, or registration, visit blackboyjoysummit.com or email teamblackboyjoy@gmail.com.