Racial stereotypes and harmful ideas about masculinity still affect how young Black men are seen and treated in society. These narratives are internalised amongst Black boys and men, leading to deep, entrenched fear amongst those that look like them, other Black boys and men. Through Life of a Top Boy, we’ve been tackling these issues directly, working with Black boys and young men to challenge negative labels and build more positive, empowering ideas of what it means to be a Black man today.

Life of a Top Boy is a research project led by Dr Ron Dodzro in partnership with Juvenis and Winston Goode. It gives young Black boys and men a chance to look closely at how masculinity is shaped in their lives, including the effects of the media, social expectations, and the wider systems around them. These ideas can influence their identity, behaviour, and life opportunities.

A key question in the project is: Why do so many young Black boys feel pressure to act like a “Top Boy”? For many, being seen as tough, strong, or in control is linked to survival, status and respect, especially in environments affected by racism, inequality, and heavy policing. These ideas can hold them back and feed into systems that punish rather than support them. From a psychological perspective, young Black boys are having to navigate identity tensions and live up to this expectation of what it means to be a ‘Top Boy’, often characterised by demonstrations of strength, dominance and emotional suppression. This pressure to perform strength is trauma response.

By working with Global Fund for Children and connecting with other grassroots organisations that support boys and young men, together we’re showing the power of culturally aware and healing approaches that encourage emotional growth, healthy relationships, and care, instead of old, harmful views of masculinity.

Young people keep telling us that they want to be seen for who they truly are, not just as tough or ‘at risk’, but as full human beings with creativity, kindness, and ambition. Life of a Top Boy brings these stories to light, creating safe spaces for young people to speak out, heal, and grow. This is achieved by encouraging emotional expression with no shame. It’s also achieved by modelling vulnerability amongst the Black male professional staff surrounding them and showcasing healthy ways to process stress. We celebrate empathy, gentleness and playfulness the same way we celebrate strength, leadership and confidence.

By focusing on the voices of young people and community-led research, we hope to change the way people think, make decisions, and shape policy. As our work with Global Fund for Children continues, we remain committed to helping young people define masculinity for themselves, in ways that respect their identity, dignity, and future.