The crisis has changed the way we live—but it hasn’t stopped us from being our brothers’ keepers. Today, incredible leaders from our community gathered for a town hall with President
@BarackObama
to discuss the action that’s needed to take care of our young men.
#WeAreMBK
President Obama challenged us to improve our communities in 2019—and mentorship is a concrete action we can take. With
@MENTORnational
, we’re expanding mentoring across the U.S. On
#InternationalMentoringDay
help a young person reach their full potential:
"Four years ago, in the East Room of the White House we launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. It was a declaration that in a country as prosperous & dynamic as ours, we all have an obligation to lift up communities that have consistently had the odds stacked against them"
Our hearts are broken at the loss of our humble freedom fighter. Just six weeks ago, Rep. Lewis joined an MBK town hall to inspire the next generation of changemakers who are getting in 'good trouble.' He said, “They’re going to help redeem the soul of America.”
Rest in power.
Yesterday, President
@BarackObama
joined local and national leaders for a virtual town hall about the action we can take in this moment to create the future boys and young men of color deserve. Hear highlights from his conversation about the ways we can reimagine policing:
"There is a movement and a collective awareness that we are tapping into. My dad set that example for me and I want to be able to give that back" —
@StephenCurry30
on the importance of mentorship at
#MBKRising
Happy heavenly birthday to an unforgettable servant leader, icon, and friend: the late Congressman John Lewis. His powerful legacy and the time we shared together still guide us today.
#WeAreMBK
It's
@NBA
All-Star Weekend 🏀 Today, in Chicago, Rising Star players and President
@BarackObama
participated in a service activity with young people, including MBK-Chicago youth ✨ Sign up to be a mentor in your community here:
#WeAreMBK
#NBAAllStar
Today at 5 PM ET,
@BarackObama
along with local and national leaders in the police reform movement will join us for our town hall, Reimagining Policing in the Wake of Continued Violence.
Tune in at .
Murdered today in 1955, Chicago teen Emmett Till should have been the last wake-up call for racial justice. Sixty-five years later, may we continue working to root out racism and hatred in this country in memory of Emmett and so many other lives cut short.
This sobering research demonstrates why
@BarackObama
has made My Brother's Keeper Alliance part of his life’s work. There is so much more to do to expand opportunity and knock down barriers so our young men can reach their full potential:
#WeAreMBK
Happy Father’s Day! Today, we’re highlighting a Chicago dad, Joseph Williams, who is committed to improving the lives of boys and young men of color through mentorship and literacy.
Five years ago today, President
@BarackObama
visited a federal prison in Oklahoma—a first for a sitting president—to highlight the need for a more fair and equitable criminal justice system.
Today, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance celebrates nine years of dynamic initiatives and programming. Our work thrives on the unwavering commitment of our network of community organizations and leaders whose purpose is rooted in the progression of boys and young men of color.
"You are the ones who are going to make a difference and make an impact. This is not going to me, it's going to be you." —President
@BarackObama
's closing words to the hundreds of boys and young men of color gathered at
#MBKRising
.
We are our sister’s keeper.
In honor of Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday, support her family’s memorial fund. Find the link at .
#SayHerName
Artwork:
@4NIKKOLAS
In the face of a racism pandemic, self-care is the fuel you need to stay in the fight.
Watch as
@BarackObama
,
@repjohnlewis
,
@eji_org
founder Bryan Stevenson,
@ArthurCEvans
, and youth and community leaders discuss staying well and whole while working to create a better world.
“When you see me? I hope you see all of me. I hope you see a sharp mind and an open heart...I hope you see that I am proud of my city. I hope you see that I am brother’s keeper.”
—De-Andre Brown from
@MBK_Alliance
Yonkers helps kick off the
#ObamaSummit
"We have to build a pipeline of success for young people, not failure." —
@BarackObama
answers a question on fixing the criminal justice system at
#MBKRising
.
MBKA hosted a townhall today focused on “Our Collective Healing.”
@BarackObama
joined us to share the importance of ending the stigma around mental health, and to remind us all there is no shame in reaching out for help.
Tonight at 10 pm ET, don't miss
@BarackObama
alongside MBK youth and community leaders on
@MSNBC
for a special conversation on leadership, democracy, and opportunity.
For
#TBT
, we’re revisiting some of our favorite moments with President Obama.
#WeAreMBK
Seven years ago today, President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper. From an adage to a national alliance, we’ve reached hundreds of thousands of boys and young men of color in nearly every corner of the country.
#WeAreMBK
These inspiring snapshots illustrate what we’ve learned:
"You matter. We care about you. We believe in you. And we want to make sure you have the opportunities and the chances to move forward like everyone else." —
@BarackObama
on the inspiration for
@MBK_Alliance
five years ago.
#MBKRising
Tomorrow is our first online Town Hall with special guest
@Common
to share about his work on issues affecting young men of color and an update on our upcoming plans and opportunities by
@msmithDC
. Space is limited, learn more and register today:
You should know the name Elijah McClain. Although he died last August after being restrained with a chokehold by police, recent protesting has forced a wave of fresh attention and scrutiny applied to older cases.
We must work to redefine public safety.
#JusticeForElijahMcClain
Today we couldn’t be prouder to announce the winners of the inaugural
#MBKCompetition
our first investments in communities that'll accelerate impact, expand opportunity & obliterate systemic barriers our boys & young men of color face everyday.
Meet them:
At the MBK Alliance, we are most grateful for our network of leaders and organizations dedicated to positively impacting the lives of boys and young men of color. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving as you gather with loved ones to share in the joy of this season.
“I just want you to know that Michelle and I are thinking about you constantly. You're the reason that we started the
@ObamaFoundation
in the first place.” —
@BarackObama
speaking directly to boys and young men of color like Avi, pictured here, during our latest town hall.
We are here at the
@ObamaFoundation
#TrainingDayBoston
representing the work of
@MBK_Alliance
. Such a tremendous turnout and awesome energy from the 150 citizen leaders planning to make their communities better.
Happy Birthday to a leader that has given so much love and hope to this world. You inspire us every single day with your vision and your commitment to young people. Most importantly, thank you
@BarackObama
for always being my being My Brother’s Keeper.
#Salute
#ObamaDay
Colin Powell's lifelong dedication to service, strength and dignity inspired countless boys and young men of color to reach for their dreams. Our thoughts are with his family.
General Colin Powell understood what was best in this country, and tried to bring his own life, career, and public statements in line with that ideal. Michelle and I will always look to him as an example of what America—and Americans—can and should be.
It’s been six years since 12-year-old Tamir Rice was tragically killed. Today is a day to honor his memory and recommit to racial justice and equity work that will keep all of our young people safe. Rest in power, little brother.
#BlackLivesMatter
In a candid discussion on the interconnectedness of race, gender and sexual orientation,
@aliciagarza
asks us: "How do we create a world where everybody belongs exactly as they are?"
#MBKRising
“Community is what grows us. It’s where our culture is born and nurtured. It’s where we become a tribe.”
#MBKRising
is here. Yesterday, we kicked it off with a day of service in the Oakland community. Take a look:
NEW: Join President
@BarackObama
at our MBK Leadership Forum on Wednesday for a conversation about the unprecedented activism and action that has taken place in the year since George Floyd was killed, and the work that remains. Watch live at 3:30 p.m. ET:
It’s fitting we’re celebrating the 4th birthday of
#MyBrothersKeeper
in the city of Newark, one of the first to accept our MBK Community Challenge. Today, we're proud to spend the day with over 1500 youth & community leaders expanding access to opportunities
#Path2Success
#IamMBK
We mourn the loss of the incomparable Vernon Jordan. Our MBK Alliance Advisory Council Chair
@gobluebrod
shared a statement on his passing. Rest in power.
In solidarity with those who are exercising their right to peacefully protest in person and online today—in Washington and across the country—getting in good trouble, necessary trouble.
#BlackLivesMatter
#WeAreMBK
Today is the last day to apply to join us at MBK Rising! If you are a young man of color concerned about your community or an adult doing amazing work to help boys and young men of color thrive, submit your Instagram video story by midnight with the hashtag
#MBKRising
If you don't have a seat at the table, stop looking for someone to bring a seat. Create a table and look for people to join it.—
@QuamiirTrice
shares the most valuable lesson he learned as a participant at
#MBKRising
Seven years ago when Michael Brown was murdered by a Ferguson police officer, his death ignited activism across the globe. His legacy lives on in the fight to end the violence and systemic injustice that took his life and too many others.
Take action:
“When I saw the mobilization primarily led by young people this past year, it gave me hope... that hope has now been translated into action.” —President
@BarackObama
at today’s MBK Leadership Forum.
#WeAreMBK
Watch the full conversation:
We believe anyone who wants a job should be able to get one that allows them to support themselves and their families. Learn more about the
@ObamaFoundation
’s initiative to ensure Black and Brown people have access to jobs on the Obama Presidential Center.
We're thinking of all the moms—the first, most important keepers of the brothers—and their unconditional love in the face of so many struggles for our young men.
You inspire us to do our part to ensure they can go as far as their dreams and hard work will take them.
#MothersDay
"We’re going to keep at this for you, the young people of America, for your generation and for all the generations to come." —President
@BarackObama
launching the MBK Alliance on this day in 2015 to continue the work of My Brother’s Keeper.
Our work is never done!
#WeAreMBK
The tragic murder of
#GeorgeFloyd
set off an unforgettable wave of anguish and action that continues to this day.
One year later, there are still so many ways to get informed and take action—including contributing to the George Floyd Memorial Foundation.
In the 10 years since Trayvon Martin was murdered, we’ve seen a monumental shift in awareness around the systemic barriers, challenges, and trauma our boys endure. We’re leading a national charge to move from anguish to action, view key resources to get involved:
Thinking of Trayvon Martin and his family on what would be his 26th birthday.
His life and tragic murder continue to drive our mission to ensure nothing stands in the way of our young men of color and their dreams—that they can always feel safe and supported wherever they go.
Today, the world says farewell to a hero, Rep. John Lewis. Revisit the moments he shared with President Obama and the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance—including our recent town hall on Mental Health and Wellness in a Racism Pandemic.
Five young men from our MBK Chicago partner organizations traveled to Big Sky Montana to serve as ambassadors for the
#CapitalOnesTheMatch
live golf event. Thank you to
@TurnerSportsPR
for giving these young men this great opportunity and supporting our work.
Congratulations to
@msmithDC
on being confirmed as the CEO of
@AmeriCorps
! We are so grateful for Michael's leadership as our Executive Director over the past seven years—supporting the extraordinary leaders who stand up and show up for our boys and young men of color.
Like so many, our hearts are heavy in the face of unbearable injustice and grief. We can’t put better words to the pain and urgency than our young brother, Keedron Bryant. Watch. Reflect. Make a difference.
#WeAreMBK
#GeorgeFloyd
🎥: keedronbryant on Instagram
We started My Brother’s Keeper to ensure boys and young men of color could go as far as their dreams would take them.
Tune in Thursday to meet MBK youth and community leaders in conversation with
@BarackObama
and
@CapehartJ
.
#WeAreMBK
On Thursday, following the release of his new book,
@BarackObama
will sit down with
@CapehartJ
. They’ll be joined by members of My Brother’s Keeper. Watch the exclusive cable interview with President Obama, Thursday at 10PM Eastern, on MSNBC.
This summer, we invited U.S. cities to sign a pledge committing to combating police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement.
@vanitaguptaCR
,
@rondaviscp
,
@DrPhilGoff
, and
@changarocc
joined us for an educational session on the first steps in igniting systemic change.
Earlier this month our Advisory Council met with
@BarackObama
to discuss our progress and the road ahead for
@MBK_Alliance
. We could not be more grateful for the time and dedication this extraordinary group of leaders provide to our young men and mission!
NEW: Senegal Mabry,
@MBK_Alliance
Advisory Council Member, writes an inspiring piece for
@YouthToday
on the importance of putting young people in the position to lead in communities.
Read his
#MBKRising
post-reflection:
My Brother’s Keeper is expanding! We are looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of our boys and young men of color. Apply today and begin to make your lasting impact.
Congratulations to Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club for receiving an inaugural My Brother’s Keeper Alliance
#FreedomSummer2022
Fund grant. We are excited that you have answered the Alliance’s call to action to create safe spaces for boys and young men of color during the summer months.
While our current reality has created seismic shifts in where and how our MBK Communities are able to achieve impact, their commitment remains unmoved.
@BarackObama
joined them yesterday to share words of encouragement—watch the full conversation here:
We’re grateful for all of our MBK Communities, their leaders, and everyone who pours their energy into our Alliance to bring it to life every day.
#HappyThanksgiving
We’re proud to invest in violence interrupters because data shows they play an outsized role in keeping our kids and communities safe. This story from Stockton covers what that work looks like—and how it’s changed in light of COVID-19 and ongoing protests.
#FBF
This time last year, we were celebrating NBA All-Star Weekend!
Take a look back at
@BarackObama
,
@NBA
Rising Star players, and local young people—including MBK Chicago participants—packing school success kits donated to low-income students throughout the area.
#WeAreMBK
Bob Moses was a hero of mine. His quiet confidence helped shape the civil rights movement, and he inspired generations of young people looking to make a difference. Michelle and I send our prayers to Janet and the rest of the Moses family.
The camaraderie of this effort inspired Joseph to start Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club, a non profit dedicated to providing positive male role models to children in schools in Chicago.
COVID-19 RESOURCES ✨ We know organizations & communities have been working tirelessly to continue the essential work to support our young boys and men of color, and all children, during this time. We have put together a host of trusted resources. CLICK 👇🏼
“My Brother’s Keeper is a movement.”
Watch
@BarackObama
,
@YonkersSchools
Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, and MBK youth leaders CJ and Jerron share what the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance means to them.
#WeAreMBK
#MBKYonkers
was named an
#MBKModelCommunity
for their demonstrated impact in MBK Milestone Three: Graduate from High School – All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training.
"If you want to build anything that will affect people and that has potential for existing long after you’re gone, you have to do it with other people." — Ryan Coogler, Director of Black Panther, at
#MBKRising
We’re thrilled to announce that
@AdrenWilson
will be joining MBKA as our new executive director! Adren brings decades of experience in the fight for equity, justice, and the livelihoods of our boys and young men of color. Join us in welcoming him:
Grateful to all the fathers, father figures, and mentors who provide unwavering love, guidance, and dedication to our boys and young men. Today, we salute you.
#FathersDay
#WeAreMBK
“My Brother’s Keeper is a movement.”
Watch
@BarackObama
,
@YonkersSchools
Superintendent Dr. Edwin Quezada, and MBK youth leaders CJ and Jerron share what the work of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance means to them.
#WeAreMBK
As
#BlackHistoryMonth
comes to an end, we continue to recognize and amplify Black voices every month, and support our Black boys and young men on their paths to creating their own Black history.
None of us are free until all of us are free. We’re thinking of
#BreonnaTaylor
on her 28th birthday—and continuing to stand with those calling for justice and accountability.
Artwork:
@4NIKKOLAS
To celebrate eight years of My Brother’s Keeper, we asked a few champions of our cause what this time has meant to them, and what they’re excited for looking forward to the future: 1/10
The MBK Alliance has doubled down on our commitment to speak with a louder voice about the countless ways systemic racism limits the lives and potential of boys and young men of color.
Here’s how you can join us and get involved today:
Trenton's first mentor in his life was his father. But, when
@champsmentoring
got involved with his school — it made all the difference showing the importance of brotherhood. Trenton went on to be the Valedictorian of his 8th-grade class.
“Racism separates, but it never liberates. Hatred generates fear, and fear once given a foothold; binds, consumes and imprisons. Nothing is gained from prejudice. No one benefits from racism.”—Thurgood Marshall
#MrCivilRights
#OTD
Thurgood Marshall was born. In 1940, he founded
@NAACP_LDF
& was the architect of the legal strategy behind
#BrownvBoard
. His meticulous & persistent litigation efforts continuously pushed America forward. Today & everyday, we honor his legacy.
#HBD
#MrCivilRights
I am beyond humbled and excited to be nominated by President Biden to lead
@AmeriCorps
, formerly known as the Corporation for National and Community Service.
#AmeriCorpsWorks
#WeAreMBK
This
#MLKDay
, our partners across the country are taking the "day-on" to get involved in their communities, and carry out the legacy of Dr. King. Read our thread below to hear from a few members of the MBK Alliance ⤵
#EmmettTill
should have celebrated his 80th birthday today. The racist violence that motivated his murder and subsequent injustice is still far too common and must end.
Find ways that you can turn anguish into action today:
We
#WearOrange
for all the boys and young men of color and their families who have been impacted by senseless gun violence. Every young person deserves to live without fear in safe and supportive communities where they feel valued and have every opportunity to succeed.
#WeAreMBK
Happy birthday to our big brother,
@BarackObama
, from team MBK Alliance and all the young brothers you’ve inspired and encouraged around the world!
#ObamaDay
#WeAreMBK
“We inherited extraordinary strengths, but we also inherited trauma.”
@BarackObama
joined
@repjohnlewis
and Bryan Stevenson for a town hall today on the mental toll racism has on people of color. See the conversation and find resources for support at .
Mr. Dad’s Father’s Club’s work exemplifies the effort needed to achieve MBK Milestone Two: reading by grade level by third grade. The organization was a 2022 recipient of the MBK Freedom Summer Grant and now serves over 1200 children throughout Chicago.