BROTHERS IN ARMS: Many things have changed since Barack Obama announced his My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative three years ago—not least of all, a new President. The Hechinger Report explores the accomplishments and lingering questions about the future of the program under a new administration.
My Brother's Keeper was designed to address the opportunity gap facing boys and young men of color through mentoring, support networks and job opportunities. Since its creation, the initiative has attracted roughly $1 billion in investment and support from corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners for related initiatives.
Despite the national attention, however, some proponents of the program worry that without Obama’s leadership, momentum will stall. Donald Trump has yet to make a statement about MBK, but many doubt that uplifting black men will be a priority. Others, including CEO of the MBK Alliance Blair Taylor, remain optimistic about MBK’s future. “A couple years into the My Brother’s Keeper effort, it looks like we’re making progress,” said Taylor. The initiative has led to partnerships with 250 local community organizations across all 50 states. But even Taylor admits that the jury is still out on lasting impact. “I don’t think anybody out there two years in would be waving a flag of victory.”
