State Education Department Announces Sixth Class of My Brother’s Keeper Fellows and MBK Communities Network Milestone

The State Education Department today inducted 97 new My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Fellows—the largest ever class of boys and young men of color who are leaders in their schools and communities—and announced that the MBK Community Network has now grown to 36 member communities, according to Commissioner Betty A. Rosa. The most recent Network additions are Kingston and LaFayette. MBK Fellows receive mentor relationship opportunities in government, education, and business. The My Brother’s Keeper initiative helps boys and young men of color—and all students—realize their full potential.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, “My Brother’s Keeper is removing barriers, empowering our young people to affect actionable change, and creating a generation of leaders prepared for civic duty and deeply committed to social justice. We are excited to welcome our newest MBK Network Communities and this year’s class of My Brother’s Keeper Fellows to continue the growth of this movement to build a culture and society of opportunity where every student can be successful. We thank Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and their colleagues for their continued support of New York’s MBK Program and for opening doors to success for all New Yorkers.”

Commissioner Rosa said, “My Brother’s Keeper is emblematic of the Department’s commitment to doing what is right for all students. It is up to each of us to help close and eliminate the opportunity gaps these young adults face, and to guide them to reach their full potential. The remarkable young men who have been named 2023 Fellows are the voices of our future and worthy champions of our cause.”

“As a proud champion of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative here in New York, it is an honor and a privilege to see the largest class of fellows enter the program this year,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “As the first Black speaker of the Assembly, I know how important it is to foster and develop the next generation of Black leaders and ensure that we always have a seat at the table and to amplify our voices in our communities. I look forward to seeing the incredible work I know these young people will do, as well as the continued success of My Brother’s Keeper across New York as the program continues to grow.”

New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I am a big believer in My Brother's Keeper, this program plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for young men of color to develop their leadership capabilities and support their commitment to uplift their communities. I am especially gratified that the City of Yonkers' program was honored this month by former President Barack Obama as one of four “My Brother's Keeper Model Communities.” I am also proud that in partnership with the Assembly, the Senate Majority under my leadership has secured a total of $90 million in funding since 2019 to support the great work of this initiative and continue to grow its reach to more young men in communities across New York. I am delighted to congratulate the 2023 Fellows of My Brother's Keeper. I have no doubt that this cohort of inspiring young men will have a bright future."

MBK Community Network

To join the NYSMBK Community Network, the school superintendent and local government official must sign a joint letter to the State Education Department indicating their support of, and commitment to, meeting the six MBK National milestones and the six New York State MBK goals. Upon becoming a member of the statewide network, a community gains the support of NYSED's Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services to help build a community initiative and develop a local MBK action plan.

My Brother’s Keeper Fellows

Each of the 97 Fellows will be matched with a mentor from a NYSMBK Community Network partner and given a fellowship opportunity. Each rising senior will also be required to develop and execute a service project related to a NYSMBK initiative, such as:

• Ensuring equitable access to high-quality schools and programs;
• Expanding prevention, early warning, and intervention services;
• Responding to structural and institutional racism; or
• Engaging families and communities in a trusted and respectful way.

The approved MBK Community Networks were eligible to apply to the Fellows Program and consist of a partnership between the Office of the Mayor and the School District Superintendent (or the Chancellor in New York City). Additionally, each Community Network must secure a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with a local postsecondary education institution, local business, or community-based organization for this program.

Fellows participated in an induction ceremony today during the 2023 MBK Symposium.

The 2023 MBK Fellows are:

In 2014, former President Barack Obama established the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force at the federal level. The Task Force was an interagency effort focused on closing and eliminating the opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color so that all young people have the chance to reach their full potential. With the adoption of the 2016–17 New York State budget, New York became the first state to accept the President’s challenge and enacted the My Brother’s Keeper initiative into law. The budget included a $20 million investment supporting the initiative to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color. 

Visit the Department’s My Brother’s Keeper website for details on this movement and information on how to subscribe to the MBK Newsletter, “Changing the Narrative.”