The purpose of this study was to assess the influence Black mentoring living and learning communities have on the sense of mattering and persistence of Black males at a regional predominately White institution. The researcher employed the Unified Measure of University Mattering (UMUM)-15 survey to examine the ego-extension area of mattering and its influence on a Black male mentoring Living and Learning Community and to compare their experiences and persistence rates to those within the Black male mentoring program and the general Black male population. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]