The Principles of the Project The mission of The Manhood Project is to maximize the positive qualities of underserved young men, while minimizing temptations to engage in at-risk behavior. Life coach and youth development expert Phil Black, affectionately known as Coach Black, created The Manhood Project as a testimony to the positive role models he encountered throughout his youth and the need to extend that same influence to young men in communities across the country. Through The Manhood Project, Coach Black inspires and challenges communities to be more proactive and aid in improving the lives of those in their community. In The Principles of the Project, The Manhood Project gives an in-depth perspective of the foundation that guides the program. Used as a companion guide for The Manhood Project curriculum manual or as a standalone text, this comprehensive background of TMP equips readers to the theory and foundation of the mentoring program. This theory provides information for you to: Implement The Manhood Project lessons in independent mentoring programs Strengthen your understanding of youth development programming Gain insight into the process of building a successful educational program The Principles of the Project hopes to enrich the passion of community leaders and mentors with a vision of improving youth outcomes. Manhood is about being present, not perfect.