Washington, DC - Melanie L. Campbell,
president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic
Participation and convener, Black Women's Roundtable Public Policy
Network, issued the following statement about President Obama's new
initiative "My Brothers Keeper":
"I
was galvanized and honored to be present to witness the launch of
President Barack Obama's bold new initiative, "My Brothers Keeper", that
will focus on providing opportunities for boys and young men of color.
"My Brothers Keeper" Initiative is committed to utilizing proven tools
to ensure access to basic health and nutrition, provide high-quality
early education, and help young men stay in school and find a good job.
"Clearly
boys and young men of color have lagged behind for years. Data
demonstrates that they are exceedingly at-risk from grade school through
adulthood. Disparities remain in reading proficiencies proficiencies,
unemployment rates, incarceration rates and murder rates. The
school-to-prison pipeline is a reality for youth of color as they have
disproportionately more contacts with police than whites - in school and
on the streets.
"It
will take the hard work of our entire village to tackle the issues
facing boys and men of color in America. The National Coalition on
Black Civic Participation and Black Women's Roundtable Public Policy
Network are eager to work in collaboration with President Obama and his
Administration, our partner organizations and others to provide ladders
of opportunity for our youth. Empowering boys and young men of color
will uplift girls and young women of color, strengthen communities of
color, and fortify America as a whole. As Americans, we should all
commit to being 'My Brothers Keeper.'"
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