Black Male Child

Identity, Self-Worth & Legacy

1. Know your full name, its origin, and what it means.
   
   

2. Know the names and stories of your ancestors.
   
   

3. Memorize 10 Black historical leaders and their contributions.
   
   

4. Practice daily self-affirmations for confidence and focus.
   
   

5. Learn the basics of African and African-American history.
   
   

6. Create a personal coat of arms or family crest.
   
   

7. Understand your lineage as a melanated descendant of greatness.
   
   

8. Speak proudly and assertively about your culture and heritage.
   
   

9. Write your personal mission statement by age 13.
   
   

10. Understand the concept of divine purpose and legacy-building.
    
    

Emotional Intelligence & Mental Strength

11. Name your emotions and express them in healthy ways.
    
    

12. Learn deep breathing, journaling, and meditation for stress.
    
    

13. Practice conflict resolution without violence.
    
    

14. Learn how to ask for help and seek wise counsel.
    
    

15. Identify your triggers and how to manage anger.
    
    

16. Understand peer pressure and how to stay grounded.
    
    

17. Build your own mental health “first aid kit.”
    
    

18. Learn the power of vulnerability and emotional honesty.
    
    

19. Practice being a safe space for other boys and men.
    
    

20. Learn how to be protective without being controlling.
    
    

Physical Health, Safety & Discipline

21. Learn the basics of nutrition and a balanced meal.
    
    

22. Master physical fitness habits (push-ups, running, stretching).
    
    

23. Learn how to prepare simple, healthy meals.
    
    

24. Understand puberty, body changes, and hygiene practices.
    
    

25. Learn basic self-defense and situational awareness.
    
    

26. Understand how to respond to police or authority safely.
    
    

27. Know how to swim and ride a bike.
    
    

28. Learn how to assess and treat basic first aid injuries.
    
    

29. Create a personal fitness routine.
    
    

30. Develop discipline through sports, martial arts, or dance.
    
    

Financial Literacy & Wealth-Building

31. Understand the value of money, saving, and budgeting.
    
    

32. Open and manage a youth savings account.
    
    

33. Learn how to earn money through age-appropriate work.
    
    

34. Learn the difference between wants vs. needs.
    
    

35. Understand credit, interest, and debt.
    
    

36. Learn about investing (stocks, crypto, land).
    
    

37. Support Black-owned businesses and cooperative economics.
    
    

38. Create a basic business plan.
    
    

39. Participate in a youth-run co-op or small business.
    
    

40. Learn to tithe, give, and share wealth responsibly.
    
    

Community, Brotherhood & Respect

41. Greet elders and strangers respectfully.
    
    

42. Learn how to help in community service projects.
    
    

43. Create a support circle of brothers/friends.
    
    

44. Learn proper etiquette: phone, table manners, thank you notes.
    
    

45. Serve as a mentor or big brother to someone younger.
    
    

46. Understand consent and respecting people’s boundaries.
    
    

47. Learn about healthy vs. toxic masculinity.
    
    

48. Know how to apologize and forgive with maturity.
    
    

49. Practice being both a strong leader and a humble servant.
    
    

50. Learn to protect and uplift women and girls.
    
    

Spiritual Grounding & Ancestral Wisdom

51. Learn daily spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, gratitude).
    
    

52. Know African spiritual systems (Ma’at, Ifa, Ubuntu).
    
    

53. Practice ancestor reverence (libation, altar building).
    
    

54. Read or listen to sacred proverbs and ancestral stories.
    
    

55. Understand your divine mission and purpose on Earth.
    
    

56. Participate in cultural and seasonal rites of passage.
    
    

57. Journal about spiritual insights and dreams.
    
    

58. Explore the role of spirituality in resistance movements.
    
    

59. Create a sacred space at home for reflection and rest.
    
    

60. Practice forgiveness and spiritual resilience.
    
    

Education, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

61. Master reading comprehension, writing, and speaking clearly.
    
    

62. Learn how to research and question information sources.
    
    

63. Practice critical thinking with logic and reasoning games.
    
    

64. Study Black scholars, philosophers, and scientists.
    
    

65. Develop strong study habits and time management skills.
    
    

66. Participate in debate, public speaking, or model UN.
    
    

67. Use your voice to ask good questions and seek truth.
    
    

68. Learn basic math, economics, and budgeting with real examples.
    
    

69. Read at least 20 empowering books by age 18.
    
    

70. See education as a liberation tool, not just schoolwork.
    
    

Survival, Outdoor Skills & Earth Connection

71. Start and maintain a personal or community garden.
    
    

72. Learn how to identify edible plants and herbs.
    
    

73. Practice outdoor camping and nature survival basics.
    
    

74. Learn to purify water and build basic shelters.
    
    

75. Know how to use a compass and follow natural signs.
    
    

76. Go on hikes or wilderness treks to build endurance.
    
    

77. Help care for animals and understand their roles.
    
    

78. Practice fishing, planting, and harvesting skills.
    
    

79. Learn how to cook meals outdoors.
    
    

80. Understand your sacred relationship to land and nature.
    
    

Technology, Innovation & Creativity

81. Learn how to code or use basic computer programs.
    
    

82. Understand how to protect your digital identity.
    
    

83. Use tech to create—film, music, websites, designs.
    
    

84. Study Black inventors and tech leaders in history.
    
    

85. Practice minimalism—don’t let tech control you.
    
    

86. Build a project using tools (robotics, electronics, solar kits).
    
    

87. Use tech to connect with African diaspora globally.
    
    

88. Write and design your own mobile app idea.
    
    

89. Learn how to use video and podcasting for storytelling.
    
    

90. Think of technology as a liberation tool—not a distraction.
    
    

Rites of Passage, Legacy & Leadership

91. Participate in a rite-of-passage ceremony or program.
    
    

92. Interview elders and preserve family stories and lessons.
    
    

93. Create a “Legacy Journal” of values, goals, and wisdom.
    
    

94. Write a letter to your future self at age 25.
    
    

95. Teach and mentor younger boys in your community.
    
    

96. Understand the responsibilities of Black manhood.
    
    

97. Create a life plan that serves your people.
    
    

98. Know that your choices create impact for 7 generations.
    
    

99. Make a personal “Earth & People Promise” to uphold.
    
    

100. Walk proudly in your legacy as a Good Ancestor in training.