This chapter synthesizes extant studies that have examined ways in which parenting, family processes, demographic characteristics, and geographic residence affect and infl uence both normative (e.g., identity development, social emotional wellbeing , academic aspiration, prosocial friendships) and non-normative (e.g., internalizing and externalizing behaviors, high risk behaviors, school disengagement) development of African American males from childhood to early adolescence . In addition, we provide a model to guide future preventive interventions targeting African American males and their families, present fi ndings from our longitudinal study of pathways that forecast positive developmental outcomes of African American males as they transition from middle childhood to young adulthood. Finally, we offer recommendations of ways to advance the studies of African American males through the inclusion of families and other safe havens that have been shown to assist these males in adapting and responding to adversity.