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Hi there, As we come to the end of another powerful Black History Month, we wanted to make sure you saw a few of the stories we shared. From highlighting moments in history that will be included in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, to lifting up the voices of Chicago’s youth, we hope these stories remind you of how far we’ve come as a nation—and how much further we have to go. —The Obama Foundation THREE YEARS WITH THE OBAMA PORTRAITS Three years ago, Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald became the first Black artists to create official, Smithsonian-commissioned portraits of a former President and First Lady. Revisit when President and Mrs. Obama revealed their historic portraits at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. THE POWER OF ART IN THE OBAMA WHITE HOUSE During their time in the White House, President and Mrs. Obama always recognized and embraced the power of art. By showcasing pieces that depicted important chapters in the American story, White House visitors and staffers alike were reminded of how far we’ve come as a nation—and the work that remains to create a more just society for all. Explore the artwork.  A CHORUS OF HOPE Based in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the Chicago Children’s Choir always ends Black History Month with a performance of “We Shall Overcome,” an iconic song of the Civil Rights Movement. See how the Choir is using the power of music and community to get through these difficult times. CELEBRATING THE BLACK HISTORY OF JACKSON PARK When Frederick Douglass traveled to Jackson Park to attend the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, he made the park a part of Black history. The Obama Presidential Center will add another chapter to its storied history. See how. Like what you see? Forward this email to a friend who could use a little inspiration!

“And that’s what ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ is all about—helping more of our young people stay on track; providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future; building on what works, when it works, in those critical life-changing moments.”—President Obama, February 27, 2014 It’s been seven years since President Obama called on the nation to address the persistent opportunity gaps boys and young men of color face and to ensure all young people can reach their full potential. From an adage to a thriving national alliance over these past seven years, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) has reached hundreds of thousands of youth in nearly every corner of the country: From 40 mentees engaged in résumé workshops, pick-up basketball games, and career shadowing at the White House, to countless served by the nearly 250 cities, towns, counties, and tribal nations in our network; from the young people impacted by 50,000 new mentors recruited with our NBA family, to the ever-expanding benefit of significant policy initiatives like the Second Chance Pell pilot or MBK Success Mentors Initiative. Charting this path, we’ve met young men who have prepared for and finished school, joined the workforce, found their voices and passions, and poured themselves into improving outcomes for their peers and the next generation.  To honor seven years of accelerating impact through youth-centered initiatives, we’re sharing seven snapshots from our walk with boys and young men of color. Here’s some of what we’ve learned about our movement—through them—on this journey. Every day, these remarkable young kings teach us something new. In 2021 and beyond, while there is so much ground left to cover to realize a better future for boys and young men of color, may we keep walking and learning until each one—and all young people—can go as far as their dreams and hard work will take them. By joining the Alliance, you can help us reach even more. —MBK Alliance