Since its inception as a White House Task Force in 2014, My Brother’s Keeper has been a beacon of hope and change, inspired by the vision set out by President Obama and fueled by the dedication of communities like ours. Through evidence-based programs and community engagement, MBK has addressed systemic challenges and empowered young people to reach their full potential.

Now, as a program of the Obama Foundation, the MBK network has empowered MBK Newark to be at the forefront of driving positive change locally. We’ve implemented initiatives aimed at ensuring every child enters school prepared to learn, achieves academic success, and has access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities. Through education programs, job training initiatives, and community partnerships, we’ve worked tirelessly to uplift our youth and provide them with the support they need to succeed.

The impact of MBK in our community cannot be overstated. Last year, Newark was one of four cities nationwide to be designated as a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Model Community. Each selected MBK Model Community has achieved significant impact in at least one of the six MBK Milestones by instituting programming and initiatives that have positively shifted outcomes in the educational or violence reduction ecosystems throughout their municipal areas. Newark was chosen for demonstrating impact in MBK Milestone Six: Remaining Safe from Violent Crime. The city’s efforts to reduce violence resulted in homicides being cut by more than half, representing a 60-year low in the city.

As we reflect on the past decade, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. MBK Newark is building upon the work to reduce violence in Newark and making progress toward the other five MBK Milestones that will help in achieving equitable outcomes for young people in Newark: entering school ready to learn, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, graduating from high school, completing post-secondary education or training and successful employment.

“As we celebrate 10 years of impact with My Brother’s Keeper, MBK Newark reflects on the progress that’s been made to build a safe and supportive community for boys and young men of color,” said Robert Clark, Founder & CEO, MBK Newark. “MBK Newark is also looking at this milestone as an opportunity to renew our commitment to driving positive change in our community through education and workforce development opportunities. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners and community leaders in the years ahead to advance equitable outcomes and build a brighter future for our young people.”

Dr. Adren Wilson, the Executive Director of the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance, expressed his profound admiration for our community’s dedication and resilience, stating, “The 10-year anniversary of My Brother’s Keeper is a testament to the unwavering commitment and resilience of our extensive network of over 100 MBK Communities, like MBK Newark who are working everyday to bring about real change. It’s inspiring to witness the transformative impact that their local initiatives have had on the lives of boys and young men of color. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the tireless efforts of MBK Newark, who has worked tirelessly to inspire and empower the next generation to dream without limitations and to connect them with the tools, opportunities, and resources necessary to turn those dreams to reality.”

MBK Newark congratulates the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance on this milestone anniversary. We look forward to continuing our work to build a brighter future for boys and young men of color together.

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