October 22, 2025

What began as one educator’s vision has become a movement—uniting over 300 boys and mentors to celebrate Black identity, pride, and possibility.

 

Boston, MA – October 18, 2025 — Joy, empowerment, and love were the defining themes of the 2025 Black Boy Joy Summit, held on Saturday, October 18, at the Bruce Bolling Building in Roxbury.

Now in its second year, the Summit welcomed 380 attendees from Greater Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Washington, DC, including over 300 boys aged 10–18 for the daylong program focused on affirming identity, building confidence, and nurturing leadership.

Summit Founder Craig Aarons-Martin, a former principal of Boston Public Schools, described the event as a “love offering to Boston.” “Creating this Summit was a calling I’ve been working toward throughout my career in education,” said Aarons-Martin. “It’s a true privilege to see how that call resonated with so many parents and volunteers who are here today.”

Presenters included Imari Paris Jeffries, CEO of King Boston; Rahsaan Hall, President & CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts; Shana Feggins, Adjunct Professor at George Washington University; and Harold Hughes, CEO of NFNTE Capital. Students participated in workshops on STEM, self-confidence, resiliency, wellness, and art, as well as in candid conversations about masculinity and manhood.

U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley described the Summit as a vital space for mentoring and empowerment. “Today we are unapologetically affirming that Black boy joy is your birthright,” Pressley shared with attendees. 

Students called the experience “life-changing” and said it “altered their perspective about being a Black man in the U.S. in a positive way.”

• According to post-event surveys:
• 100% of attendees reported feeling “seen, heard, and respected” by adults and peers.
• 100% said they felt more proud of their culture and identity.
• 95% reported that speakers and sessions helped them learn something valuable about themselves.

To learn more about the Black Boy Joy Summit and its mission to uplift and empower young Black boys, visit www.blackboyjoysummit.com.