Turning Pain Into Purpose with Robert Lewis Jr.

Community builder and Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston President and CEO Robert Lewis Jr. shares how growing up in East Boston public housing, surviving a firebombing during the busing crisis, and being lifted by mentors shaped his life’s mission to unite people and invest in youth as Boston’s future talent. We talk assets over deficits, redefining “poor,” belonging, narrative, and how adults can listen, love, and create real opportunity.

 

Key takeaways

• Belonging beats scarcity. Community, friendships, and safety redefine what “poor” feels like.

• Lead with assets. Stop deficit language. See young people as talent and invest accordingly.

• Turn pain into purpose. Robert’s 16-year-old promise fuels a lifetime of bridge-building.

• Adults must shift. Listen more, partner more, and stop “fixing” kids.

• Define your narrative. Do not let others write your story.

 

Connect with Robert

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston: https://www.bgcb.org/

• BGCB waives membership fees for 2025–2026: https://www.bgcb.org/blog/boys-girls-clubs-of-boston-waives-membership-fees-for-2025-2026-school-year/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lewis-jr-0bb0931a2/