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Hi there,
Six years ago today, I was standing in the East Room of the White House surrounded by young men of color from across the country. Together with mayors and business leaders, teachers and mentors, moms and dads, we launched an initiative whose work has remained core to my life since leaving the White House: My Brother’s Keeper.
We started My Brother’s Keeper so that every boy and young man of color in America would know that their dreams mattered as much as any other child's. And when I reflect on that day six years ago, I can still feel the energy, hope, and possibility I felt then.
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Since that day, our movement has grown into an Alliance that has brought together hundreds of communities with thousands of Americans, all committed to helping young people across this country achieve their dreams.
Here in Chicago—as in many communities across the nation—the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance is investing in innovative organizations that are saving lives. We’re helping Youth Guidance expand its Becoming a Man program to more schools, connecting young men with caring adults who can support their development and academic success. We’re supporting New Life Centers of Chicagoland’s efforts to provide street outreach, violence mediation, and counseling to help reduce the rates of gun violence that have impacted too many of our children and their families. And our partners at Thrive Chicago are collectively leading these efforts, helping ensure we deliver results for our city.
Growing up there were times when I fell adrift; where I stumbled. But what made the difference in my life were people who encouraged me; who offered me guidance; who gave me a second chance. That’s why, today, I’m asking you to join me—not just in celebrating six years of breaking down barriers and expanding opportunity for boys and young men of color, but by showing up for a young man near you.
Every child deserves caring adults that will have their back and help them on their path to success. So visit IamMBK.org, find a mentoring opportunity, and sign up today.
We can only reach our potential if all of our nation’s children can reach theirs. I hope you’ll join us. Because we are all our brother’s keeper.
—Barack
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