Many of today's young black males are in a state of crisis. Generational cycles of hopelessness, poverty, violence, incarceration, and illiteracy prevails among many. Their lack of academic achievement when compared to their white counterparts remains a major topic of discussion in America. Exclusive Black Male Leadership Development Institutes (BMLDI) are becoming common across the country. This qualitative study delved into the self-reported perceptions from 10 previous participants in one BMLDI. The researcher conducted semi structured interviews using open-ended communication with predetermined questions. The findings indicated that various factors assisted participants' ability to or inability to transform their lives and overcome personal obstacles. Five emergent themes were identified from the data: (1) past instability -- BMLDI provided much needed support in the form of mentorship that contributed to helping participants overcome personal obstacles, develop self-esteem and confidence; (2) quest for role models -- exposure to successful blacks who looked like them altered participants perspectives about what they could accomplish; (3) vulnerability -- participants considered BMLDI a safe place to open up, express themselves, grow personally, and find their true selves; (4) brotherhood -- BMLDI provided the opportunity to experience being around other black males who also wanted to do more with their lives altering the perceptions about what they could achieve; and (5) BMLDI impact -- ability to support every participant toward any endeavor he decided to pursue. The findings suggest that young black males are in need of support to help them transform their lives and overcome personal and societal obstacles. The researcher provides this study to serves as a source for all of those involved in the lives of young black males. [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.]