Community • Trust • Purpose. About Us Championing brighter futures for Black men and boys across Florida through research, advocacy, and action.

 CSSBMB Community • Trust • Purpose. About Us Championing brighter futures for Black men and boys across Florida through research, advocacy, and action.

 Data-Driven Impact Community • Trust • Purpose. About Us Championing brighter futures for Black men and boys across Florida through research, advocacy, and action.

 CSSBMB

Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys

Established by the Florida Legislature in 2006, the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is a legislatively mandated body committed to identifying and addressing the complex challenges disproportionately affecting Black males across the state.
Research
lets change the data on Black Men

14.7 %

Unemployment Rate

27 %

Earn over $50K

2 x

More likely to be suspended from school

85.3 %

Graduate from Highschool

Equity-Driven

Data-Informed

Transformative

Empowering

Strategic

Research

Website (1)

Our Mission

To research and recommend measures that improve conditions affecting Black men and boys in Florida.
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Our Vision

To engage, educate, equip, and encourage Black men and boys so they can fully achieve their potential.

Who We Are

Originally housed in the Office of the Attorney General, the Council now operates from Florida Memorial University (FMU), a pivotal move that deepens our impact through education, research, and community engagement. The Council brings together leaders from state agencies, academia, and the community to examine the root causes of disparities in education, health, criminal justice, and economic opportunity. We translate this knowledge into evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic initiatives aimed at transforming systems and expanding opportunity.
With a 19-member board, the Council is currently chaired by Jerome Hill, Program Operations Administrator at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The board reflects a cross-sector coalition of experts and advocates dedicated to improving the quality of life and future outcomes for Black men and boys in Florida.
Together, we are building a Florida where equity is not aspirational, but actionable.
Statute 16.615
The Council is established under statute 16.615. It is placed within the Department of Legal Affairs and is composed of 19 members. Appointments include (among others) two state senators from different parties, two state representatives from different parties, the Secretary of Children and Families (or designee), the director of the Mental Health Program Office at DCF (or designee), the State Surgeon General (or designee), the Commissioner of Education (or designee), and the Secretary of Corrections (or designee).

Our Direction: What’s Ahead for the Council

The Council is entering a bold new era—driven by research, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships. As we chart the next phase of our journey, our focus remains clear: improving the quality of life and opportunity for Black men and boys in Florida.

Statutorily Guided. Policy-Focused. People-Centered.

Our Impact Areas

The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys is statutorily authorized to examine the root causes of disparities affecting Black males in our state—and to recommend data-informed policies that promote equity, opportunity, and systemic change. While these impact areas define the scope of our legislative and research authority, our primary focus is clear: To shape and improve public policy across these domains to transform outcomes for Black men and boys in Florida.
01

Education Equity

We work to close achievement gaps and strengthen academic outcomes from early childhood through higher education—advocating for policies that support access, retention, culturally responsive instruction, and postsecondary success.
02

Mental Health & Well-Being

Through our ongoing mental health initiatives, we champion policies that increase access to culturally competent care, reduce stigma, and prioritize trauma- informed practices for youth and adults.
03

Criminal Justice Reform

We develop and support legislative solutions to reduce overrepresentation of Black males in the justice system—from school-based discipline to sentencing—and promote alternatives that foster rehabilitation, fairness, and reintegration.
04

Workforce & Economic Mobility

We advance policies that expand access to high-wage jobs, vocational training, small business development, and financial literacy—ensuring Black men and boys can participate fully in Florida’s economy.
05

Health Disparities

From chronic disease to life expectancy, health inequities persist. We focus on health policy reforms that expand access, prevention, and culturally informed care across Florida’s most vulnerable communities.
06

Fatherhood & Family Engagement

We support initiatives that recognize and reinforce the role of Black fathers and male mentors in building healthy families. Our work helps inform programs and policies that eliminate barriers to father involvement and family stability.
Together, these areas represent not just issues—but opportunities for legislative change. The Council’s role is to turn evidence into policy, and policy into lasting impact for Black men and boys across the state.

Our Direction

What’s Ahead for the Council

The Council is entering a bold new era—driven by research, policy innovation, and strategic partnerships. As we chart the next phase of our journey, our focus remains clear: improving the quality of life and opportunity for Black men and boys in Florida. CSSBMB we will:

Expand Our Research Agenda

Building on the success of our research on higher education, the Council will continue to conduct original research and evaluations—prioritizing systemic issues like health, education, workforce access, criminal justice reform, and family stability.

Inform and Influence Policy

Our annual reports and legislative recommendations will remain key tools for advancing equity across Florida. We will work closely with lawmakers to ensure data-driven decisions that uplift communities statewide.

Strengthen Youth Pathways

Through programs like Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders, we aim to scale mentorship, leadership development, and college readiness efforts, particularly in high-need districts.

Engage More Voices

From town halls and public forums to social media and partnerships, the Council is committed to amplifying the voices of those most impacted—and ensuring their stories shape our solutions.

Invest in the Next Generation

With the reintroduction of the Eddie Regnier Scholarship, we are supporting students who are not only succeeding academically but also committed to advancing their communities.
At FMU and beyond, the Council remains a trusted voice for equity, accountability, and opportunity. We are committed to turning insight into action—and vision into measurable change.

Council Members

Meet the Council

Our diverse Council includes leaders from across the state who are deeply committed to equity, research, and reform.
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