Dear Black Boy
Black boys deserve to see themselves as capable.
Dear Black Boy equips Black boys in public schools with the tools to navigate academic, emotional, and social challenges — through affirmation, unique out of classroom experiences, and mentorship that lasts.
Dear Black Boy
Affirmation Workshop
A multi-week workshop built on three things every scholar needs.
Consistent sessions
Affirmation lessons built around the book, curated specifically for your scholars and delivered in your building.
Real role models
Successful Black men — entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals — in the room, sharing wisdom, tools and solutions based on lived experience.
Ongoing mentorship
Relationships that outlast the program cycle and keep scholars connected.
The message travels further than the classroom
From back-to-school segments to community features, Ace has taken the case for affirming Black boys to newsrooms across the region — bringing visibility to the schools and scholars doing the work.
75 Affirmations
To Get You Through
This collection gave language to what young Black men needed to hear — and it didn't stop at the page. What began as a book became a movement that carries its message directly into classrooms.
Every scholar's care package includes a signed copy.
Buy on Barnes & NobleImpact by the numbers
In the last 3 years …
Scholars supported
Through workshops and community givebacks
Copies donated
Placed directly in scholars' hands
Mentors in schools
Entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals
Scholars on trips
Theater, pro sports, and fine dining
In educators' words
Ace's commitment to young people through literacy, affirmation and mentorship is truly inspiring. He brings excitement to the classroom along with a passion that radiates the moment he steps into any space.
Mr. Clark has made a meaningful impact through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. His consistent commitment, generosity, and ability to inspire young people make him invaluable to our school community.
Ace's partnership has been nothing short of a miracle. When others are quick to write off our boys he's there to empower and celebrate them. Each year has been better than the previous.
Beyond the classroom
Fine dining, live theater, pro sports, and community give-back — exposure no other mentorship program offers.
In scholars' words
Straight from the boys who sat in the circle.
I look forward to coming back next year to Ace's program. Ace didn't feel like a teacher, he felt like my older brother. Ace always told me how my decisions could either bring me opportunities or take them away — and I'm glad he was around to give me that advice.
It was a great place to come together. I didn't know much about the others in the group when we first came in, but now I have a brotherhood that I think I'll have for life.
The trips and the food were my favorite parts. Ace told us it was going to be a good time but I honestly thought he was going to lie to us. This year I made friends with kids I never spoke to. I'm gonna miss this class and I hope we all stay in touch.
Mentors at the center
Past mentors who've stood in front of our scholars — proof that the path is real, and that people who walked it will show up for them.
What scholars gain
Self-confidence
Affirmations build self-worth and boost class participation.
Teamwork
Group projects strengthen communication and community.
Self-discovery
Guided reflection sharpens strengths, values, and critical thinking.
Career readiness
Guest mentors open doors to real career paths and college readiness.
Support network
Lasting connections with entrepreneurs, creatives, and scholars.
Exposure
Unique experiences outside the classroom — theater, pro sports, and fine dining.
Program packages
Three tiers, built to scale with your building. Pricing is shared on our first call, once we know your scholar count and timeline.
Gold Star
- 8 sessions
- 1 guest speaker
- 1 group trip
Honor Roll
- 2 cycles · 12 sessions
- 2 guest speakers
- 1 group trip
- Career Expo included
Dean's List
- 2 cycles · 14 sessions
- 3 guest speakers
- Group outings
- Career Expo included
- Commencement speaker
Max 18 scholars per session · Care package: signed book, journal & accessory kit · Career Expo add-on available · Custom packages built on request
Request pricingOther programs
Schools can also inquire about these multi-week programs for your scholars.
Black to Bizness
Business fundamentals taught through sneakers — scholars source, market, and sell a real product.
Lit Champs
Introduces scholars to books and authors, then gives them the tools to craft and publish their own stories.
Who is Ace Clark?
Born and raised in NYC, Ace faced depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide while navigating his identity — often without the support he needed. That gap is still faced by Black boys in schools today.
DBBAW is his answer: pairing scholars with Black male mentors who share real strategies for overcoming life's challenges — going beyond mentorship to build lasting confidence.
His work has brought him alongside Black Thought of The Roots, Lecrae, and BJ The Chicago Kid, as well as a collaboration with Idris Elba on the documentary Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music.
Giving back is fundamental to my identity as a father, brother, and son committed to enhancing my community.
Frequently asked
We currently serve schools in NYC, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, and we're actively expanding into DC and Maryland. Public and private schools and nonprofits are all welcome — reach out wherever you are.
Our team of educators and creatives. Mr. Clark can be requested directly.
A safe space for Black boys, grades K–12.
Every package is quoted to your scholar count, cycle length, and add-ons. We share pricing on the first call — reach out and we'll send a proposal.
A short discovery call, then a customized curriculum plan and quote. Once you confirm, we finalize the schedule and guest speakers and launch.
Anytime after start; full refund only if canceled 45+ days before.
Yes — we encourage schools to bring DBBAW back each year.
Sponsor a scholar
Not every school has budget. Individual and corporate gifts put books, mentors, and trips in front of boys whose schools can't fund a full package.
Let's bring DBBAW to your school
Tell us about your scholars, timeline, and goals. We'll come back with a curriculum plan and a package that fits.
We respond to every inquiry within two business days.