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New York Becomes First State to Put Forth Obama’s ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ Program

By | Published on April 6, 2016
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Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

New York state officials announced this week that it will be the first state to put forth President Obama’s program, “My Brother’s Keeper,” to help Black and Hispanic boys succeed.

Back in 2014, President Obama referenced his first job scooping ice cream as one of the reasons to create the My Brother’s Keeper task force. One of its goals is to provide minority boys resources to improve their reading skills. Another is to get young boys reading at grade level by third grade, complete college education or training in reasonable time, and enter the workforce ready for any obstacle that comes their way.

According to The White House, the My Brother Keeper’s program will:

Successfully Enter Black and Hispanic Males into the Workforce

Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.

Keep Kids on Track and Give Them Second Chances

All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.

Encourage Communities to Take the MBK Community Challenge

Nearly 200 mayors, tribal leaders, and county executives across 43 states and the District of Columbia have accepted the MBK Community Challenge.

However, the program will be costly to implement. According to reports by the New York Daily News, the New York Board of Regents will oversee the $50 million in state funding that will support the New York version of the program.

“With this funding we are taking some meaningful steps toward a more holistic and comprehensive approach to improving the prospects of all our children, especially those who need our support the most,” Carl Heastie, New York’s first Black Assembly speaker, told the Daily News.

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