My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Integrates with Obama Foundation

For more than three years, the work of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) – and later the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance) – has been central to President Obama’s efforts to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color and to ensure all youth can reach their full potential. 

These initiatives have launched a national movement that has inspired 250 cities, counties, and Tribal Nations to accept the MBK Community Challenge, driven the implementation of scores of new policy initiatives, and led to exponential increases in aligned private sector commitments – all helping to reduce barriers and to expand opportunity from cradle to career.

The MBK Alliance is pleased to announce that it will continue its critical mission as a core initiative of the Obama Foundation. President Obama has stated repeatedly that the mission of MBK Alliance would be part of his life’s work.

By joining forces, MBK Alliance and the Obama Foundation will be better equipped to meet the goal so fundamental to the lifelong vision of President Obama – an America where all children can reach their full potential no matter who they are or where they come from.

“President Obama has inspired leaders from all sectors to join together, pursue common ground and strategies, and take meaningful action to ensure our boys feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. MBK Alliance’s board of directors remains dedicated to this mission and could not be more thrilled to unite with the Obama Foundation to deepen and accelerate our work," said Broderick Johnson, chair of the MBK Alliance board of directors.

Johnson, currently a partner at Bryan Cave, served in the Obama Administration as Assistant to the President, Cabinet Secretary and Chair of the My Brother’s Keeper Task Force. Johnson will continue to chair the MBK Alliance Advisory Committee within the Obama Foundation.

“MBK has catalyzed an unprecedented all-in movement for our kids who are so often left on the margins of society. Together, with the Obama Foundation, we’re excited to take this work to the next level with greater focus on impact, innovation and collaboration," said Michael Smith, executive director of MBK Alliance.

Youth Opportunity Programs, Obama Foundation

Smith served as Special Assistant to President Obama for My Brother’s Keeper at the White House and has served as Acting Executive Director of MBK Alliance on loan from the Obama Foundation since May.

He will continue to lead the initiative within the Obama Foundation.

Read more from the Obama Foundation press release.

Read more about MBK Alliance at ObamaFoundation.org.