This article examines the relationships between being young and black, and educational and career aspirations, drawing on new research evidence from two recent studies carried out in two urban locations in Northern England. The first of these studies forms part of a wider research project concerned with analysing the connections between aspects of racism, ethnicity and schooling in nine European countries recently completed in February 2011 and which included a quantitative survey of 30-40 young black (Caribbean/African) 15-year-old school pupils followed up by qualitative community-based fieldwork. The material examined here focuses on the perceptions and experiences of this specific group. The second smaller study involved multi-method research with 10 young black men in Leeds. In particular this article highlights the driving search for personal autonomy and agency on the part of young black men, which for many can and does, become manifest in strong levels of educational and career aspirations which are no different from other groups of young people. Further it identifies some of the creative strategies, for example in drawing on forms of social capital and other networks and resources to reinforce, cultivate and reaffirm aspirations and hopes, which will be of critical importance in determining the future outcomes of this group of young people.