Above: My Brother’s Keeper fellow Jaden Gabb welcomes nearly 1,000 attendees to a New York State MBK Symposium in May 2023.
What if educators deeply invested in the potential of young men of color through targeted support and high expectations? New York State’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows program aims to do just that, fostering environments where high school students of color are not only supported but celebrated for their unique assets and capabilities.
Initiated by President Obama in 2014, the national My Brother’s Keeper initiative redefined educational support for young men of color across the United States. New York State adopted and expanded upon this program in 2016, establishing its own version, the NYSMBK program, as part of a larger statewide initiative based in schools. New York’s program includes six initiatives that impact hundreds of thousands of students, with the Fellows program specifically targeting third-year high school students. Since its inception, the NYSMBK Fellows program has provided these young men of color with workshops, training, mentoring, and other opportunities to gain authentic leadership experiences and develop service projects beneficial to their schools and communities.
With a 100 percent high school graduation rate that far surpasses national averages for young men of color, the program goes beyond merely preparing students academically; it builds a robust sense of self-worth and belonging in participants. Fellows engage in rigorous master classes on topics like writing college application essays and participate in book studies involving critical conversations on culturally relevant literature. The program also includes professional speaker training designed to boost fellows’ confidence in communication skills. This comprehensive training and mentoring enables fellows to develop academically and personally, positioning them as leaders and advocates within their communities.
One key event for the fellows is Stand and Deliver, a speaker showcase held each year in Albany, New York. At this high-profile event, each fellow delivers a 90-second TED-style talk on their fellowship experience to an audience that often includes notable figures such as the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education. Another highlight is the Caucus Weekend, organized by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Inc., where fellows present to nearly 300 attendees, discussing their experiences with MBK or their community service projects. By speaking before such influential audiences, fellows experience the tangible impact of their contributions and the value of their voices.
In this work, the MBK adult leaders emphasize the importance of creating spaces that affirm students’ brilliance and potential. The program’s commitment to “teaching up” is evident in its dedication to fostering a culture where all students see themselves as capable and valued. It’s this culture that allows the fellows to envision a future where all students, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to society.
