Photo credit: Maddie Moree
Former President Barack Obama is keeping his promise of continuing the success and influence of his My Brother’s Keeper initiative.
Last month, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance hosted its “Pathways to Success: Boys and Young Men of Color Opportunity Summit” in Memphis, Tennessee where more than 1,000 young men, between the ages of 16 and 29, had the opportunity to network and interact with potential employers.
Photo credit: Maddie Moree
In collaboration with Memphis Office of Youth Services, the Greater Memphis Chamber, Workforce Investment Network, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Memphis Police Department, MBK was able to offer on the spot jobs to nearly 500 young men and a chance for some to have second interviews following the event.
Participating companies included AutoZone, Checkers, Chipotle, Five Guys, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nike and more.
In addition to being offered job opportunities, participating young men also engaged in career-building workshops, mock interviews and heard from a range of all-star speakers including actor, activist and entrepreneur Lamman Rucker, politician and CNN political commentator Bakari Sellers, former “Shark Tank” contestant and young entrepreneur Moziah “Mo” Bridges, and writer and co-founder of “Very Smart Brothas” Damon Young.
Photo credit: Maddie Moree
“The ‘Pathways to Success: Boys and Young Men of Color Opportunity Summit’ showcases the My Brother’s Keeper approach to helping boys and young men meet their personal and professional goals,” said Broderick Johnson, MBK Alliance Board Chairman and Partner for the international law firm, Bryan Cave, in a press statement. “We connect talent to jobs, mentors, social services and the resources they need to help navigate and overcome barriers to success from cradle to career and beyond.”
The MBK initiative was launched in February 2014 by Barack Obama during his presidential term as a way to address the opportunity gaps afforded to young men of color in America. During his presidency, both Barack and former First Lady Michelle Obama made it clear that even after their time in White House has expired, their work to inspire the next generation will continue.
Photo credit: Pete Souza
“This will remain a mission for me and for Michelle not just for the rest of my presidency, but for the rest of my life,” Obama said during a 2015 My Brother’s Keeper Alliance launch event.
To learn more about My Brother’s Keeper and how you can also get involved with inspiring the next generation visit www.mbkalliance.org.