FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2024
Contact: Sam Alley, Youth & Young Adult Services Coordinator - City of Pittsburg, salley@pittsburgca.gov
Pittsburg, CA – MBK Pittsburg is proud to join the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance) in celebrating the monumental 10-year anniversary of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK). As part of the extensive network of over 100 MBK communities across the nation, the City joins MBK Alliance in commemorating a decade of impactful work in creating pathways to opportunity for boys and young men of color.
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. 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 Pittsburg to be at the forefront of driving positive change locally. MBK Pittsburg has 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 mentorship programs, job training initiatives, and community partnerships, MBK Pittsburg is focused on youth and the support they need to succeed.
In November 2022 a joint resolution by the City Council and Pittsburg Unified School District resolved, “the City and School District seeks to address persistent opportunity gaps experienced by young men and women of color, with an overall goal of ultimately ensuring all youth feel supported as they pursue a promising future and a prosperous, healthy life.” In October of 2023 Pittsburg was recognized as a certified MBK community. MBK Pittsburg’s Steering Committee is made up of representatives from the City of Pittsburg, Pittsburg Unified School District, Pittsburg Police Department, Los Medanos College, Contra Costa County, and Meryll Lynch.
MBK Pittsburg’s Steering Committee has chosen 3 of the Alliance’s 6 Milestones to focus on. Goals for the initiative are that Young Men of Color in Pittsburg:
- Complete Post-secondary Education or Training
- All Youth Out of School Are Employed
- All Youth Remain Safe from Violent Crime
Dr. Adren Wilson, the Executive Director of the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance, expressed his profound admiration for MBK Pittsburg’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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg, 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 Pittsburg congratulates the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance on this milestone anniversary. The City of Pittsburg and MBK Pittsburg looks forward to working with the MBK Alliance to build a brighter future for boys and young men of color together.
For more information about MBK Pittsburg’s involvement with My Brother’s Keeper, please contact Sam Alley at salley@pittsburgca.gov
For press related questions about the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, please email Gloria Nlewedim at press@obama.org.
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