Press Releases

Two years ago, President Obama unveiled “My Brother’s Keeper,” a bold initiative to address the challenges faced by boys and young men of color and close opportunity gaps. The announcement came nearly two years to the day after the tragic shooting death of Trayvon Martin shed a national spotlight on how in too many communities across the nation, boys of color are an endangered species simply because of the color of their skin.

Like many African-American men, the president realized that once upon a time, Trayvon Martin could have been him, and set out to do something to ensure that all young people are empowered to reach their full potential. Thanks to his initiative, the issues affecting black men and boys are now receiving the attention they deserve.

As Frederick Douglass once said, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Since its initial rollout, numerous corporations, community organizations, foundations, private citizens, major celebrities, local communities and countless others have answered the president’s call to action to help prepare our nation’s youth for success in and out of the classroom.

“It has been my honor to serve on the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force and help ensure that the program meets the needs of at-risk boys and young men of color. As President Obama noted when he launched MBK, the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, an in-school mentoring and drop-out prevention program I founded nearly 25 years ago, is a proven example of a program that works,” said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, whose Miami-Dade County district recently accepted the My Brother’s Keeper Community challenge. “I have witnessed firsthand the seemingly miraculous transformations that can take place in a young boy’s life when paired with caring adults who are willing to help guide them along the rocky road toward adulthood and teach them how to make the right choices.”

“I am pleased to announce the formation of the Congressional My Brother’s Keeper Caucus, which is dedicated to issues related to improving life outcomes, increasing opportunities, and addressing barriers to success for boys and young men of color. The caucus will also work to educate other members on these issues,” the Florida lawmaker added.

The MBK Caucus’s inaugural board members include Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas, Rep. Danny Davis (D-Illinois), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-District of Columbia), Rep. Mike Honda (D-California), Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas), Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-Louisiana), and Rep. Robert “Bobby” Scott (D-Virginia).

“Investing in our young people from the very beginning ensures not only a better life for them, it enriches our communities and nation for years to come. The best way to break the cycle of poverty is to make sure this generation has access to the right education opportunities and sound guidance from mentors who will encourage them to reach their full potential,” said Rep. Hurd.

“Providing the necessary support for our young men and boys of color is one of my top priorities here in Congress,” said Rep. Richmond. “That is why I am proud to be a part of the My Brother’s Keeper Caucus. By making the right investments in their future we can ensure their success.”

“My Brother’s Keeper reminds us that, while we are not responsible for raising our nation’s children, we must all recognize that they are the building blocks of our future,” Rep. Honda said. “When we take the effort to bring our children up with a positive outlook and a belief that they can take part in the opportunities that should be available to all Americans, we build a better nation. My Brother’s Keeper helps let young men of color know that they are not alone, that they are valued and that we are looking forward to them becoming the success stories of our next generation."

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida’s harbors and waterways.