President Obama Launches My Brother’s Keeper Alliance

Mayor Ras J. Baraka and members of Newark My Brother’s Keeper Alliance joined President Barack Obama at Lehman College in The Bronx on Monday, to help launch a new private-sector entity, the “My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.” The President spoke at the launching, which was followed by a roundtable discussion with young men from across the country, including Newark.

The new initiative, an extension of the acclaimed White House program to engage young men of color, is an independent non-profit, which will unite private sector organizations to help young men of color gain education from kindergarten through college, gain workforce training and workplace assistance, and reduce violence in their lives.

“As soon as President Obama launched ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ at the national level, my administration enthusiastically signed on to it. We are proud that we have taken positive, proactive steps in Newark to connect with young men of color, hearing their concerns and issues, such as our Youth Council, and our forum that connected youth with law enforcement officers. We are firm believers that the private sector can and should play a major role in transforming the lives of Newark’s youth, and we are proud to stand alongside the President today.” Mayor Baraka said.

Throughout American history, there have been significant opportunity and achievement gaps between boys and young men of color and their peers. Among African-American and Hispanic males between ages 16 and 24, as much as 25 percent are considered disconnected – meaning they are neither in school nor employed. With poor education outcomes, lesser career skills and lower rates of employment, these young men face tougher odds in trying to reach their full potential.

Despite being one of the fastest-growing population segments, the American dream is largely out of reach for them. Closing these gaps will require a sustained long-term effort, requiring input from both the public and private sectors as we prepare for a new American century.

With commitments to date of more than $80 million, the MBK Alliance will start by:

• Playbook for Corporations and Businesses – MBK Alliance developed a comprehensive guide to mobilize the private sector in addressing key obstacles facing young men of color;
• Innovation Grants – MBK Alliance will disperse up to $7 million in grants to programs and organizations with proven, innovative intervention programs; and
• Community Grants Competition – MBK Alliance will create a $15-25 million grants competition to reward up to nine communities with $3 million to build local infrastructure and capacity.

In catalyzing a national ecosystem of support to help boys and young men of color, MBK Alliance will support program interventions targeting six key life milestones:

1. Entering School Ready to Learn (Early Childhood)
2. Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade (Middle Childhood)
3. Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career (Adolescence)
4. Completing Post-Secondary Education or Training (Adulthood Transition)
5. Successfully Entering the Workforce (Adulthood)
6. Reducing Violence and Providing a Second Chance (Throughout Life)

The $80 million in funding has come from in-kind and financial donations from 14 major American corporations, including Newark-based Prudential Group Insurance.

Leadership for the MBK Alliance includes a broad array of public and private sector figures, including US Senator and former Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker and Newark native, NBA legend, and business entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, both members of the Alliance’s Advisory Committee.