In 2014, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka accepted the Call to Action from My Brother's Keeper Alliance. Since then, My Brother's Keeper Newark (MBKN) has been working to address persistent racial disparities faced by boys and young men of color with a focus on improving educational and workforce development outcomes, while simultaneously decreasing incarceration and recidivism rates.
Joining a coalition of major cities that have aligned their work for boys and men of color with a focus on opportunity youth, MBKN was embedded into the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) in 2019. Research shows that young men of color are disproportionately likely to be disconnected from school and work and the gaps in the local ecosystem for youth are most pronounced for older youth, which is a mission both NOYN and MBKN share.
Today, MBKN leads NOYN's systems change work, leveraging its bodies of work to close opportunity gaps, build systems of support, and create new pathways for continuing education, job training, and employment.
FOCUS AREAS
COLLECTIVE
ACTION
Capacity building for key system leaders and advocates
Working with partners throughout the city, MBKN helps to expand the footprint of programs and initiatives that focus on boys and young men of color.
RESEARCH +
REPORTING
Driving the conversation with data and evaluation
MBKN uses its platform to elevate issues affecting boys and young men of color, as well as solutions that can be adopted by those serving them.
POLICY
ADVOCACY
Changing systems that inhibit the success of young people
Drawing on the experience of young people within NOYN, MBKN advocates for policies that contribute to positive outcomes.