Investing In Our Future: The Work of My Brother’s Keeper DC Continues

As discussions about the challenges facing the next generation in the nation’s capital intensify, My Brother’s Keeper DC remains committed to its vital work. A recent local action summit emphasized the significance of redirecting our attention to prioritize the dreams and aspirations of young people, as opposed to the challenges they face. The summit emerged as a guiding force for change, underscoring the urgent necessity to actively recognize and address the aspirations of the next generation. The journey of My Brother’s Keeper continues, fueled by a dedication to empower and uplift our youth. 

On Monday, December 4th, 2023, My Brother’s Keeper DC held this transformative event at the Martin Luther King (MLK) Library. This summit brought together youth, community leaders, educators, and policymakers, all committed to tirelessly improving the lives of boys and young men of color in the District of Columbia.

Organized by Gilded Knight Consulting and hosted by Youth Invest Partners and Serve DC – Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships, the event showcased a collective effort with dynamic organizations including the DC State Board of Education, DC Action, MENTOR Maryland | DC, PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education), Youth Guidance DC, and Mikva Challenge DC. Together, they sought to foster dialogue, explore solutions, and spotlight the untapped potential of the youth.

The summit’s essence lay in its dedication to reshaping the narrative surrounding young people. The event strove to amplify the joy and brilliance in the room and highlight the opportunities available to the youth. At its core, the My Brother’s Keeper initiative aims to craft pathways for young men of color to pursue even their wildest dreams.

Impactful sessions featured young men from eight different middle and high schools in DC, sharing their perspectives, challenges, and dreams. These voices resonated alongside a powerful cohort of speakers and facilitators, including Carol Thompson Cole, Dr. Christina Sessoms, Eboni Rose Thompson, EZ Street, Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard, Genaro Stewart, Johnathan Hill, Jermaine Dillon, Kawanza Billy, Leonard Smith, Markus Batchelor, Rashid Hughes, Tia Bell, Tony Lewis Jr, Tony Lewis Sr, and Trevon Simmons. With unwavering dedication, each of them poured love, light, and wisdom into our young men. Their insights underscored the vital role of mentorship, support, and collaborative efforts in building a future where every young person can thrive.

The MBK DC Local Action Summit aimed to:

• Hear directly from boys and young men of color regarding their concerns, hopes, and ideas for the future of the District of Columbia.
• Explore innovative programming and initiatives focused on violence prevention and the creation of safe spaces for boys and young men of color, emphasizing the significance of second chances.
• Discuss approaches to enhance academic support programs, geared toward delivering post-secondary success and fostering a culture of high expectations and achievement.
• Create a space for honest dialogue about effective approaches to mental health and wellness for boys and young men of color, to address trauma and reduce stigma.

As the summit concluded, the resounding message became clear: there is nothing more important to the future of our city than engaging with young people, learning their perspectives, and actively working towards creating a future where their dreams are valued and pursued. This aligns with Gilded Knight’s guiding principle that the answer often resides within those that have the clearest and most unfiltered view of the challenge. The next generation has the answers. The real question is: will we choose to listen?

For additional information on My Brother’s Keeper DC and how to get involved, please visit this page.