Two Dunkirk High School students were honored as part of 97 new My Brother’s Keeper Fellows–the largest ever class of boys and young men of color who are leaders in their schools and communities. The My Brother’s Keeper initiative helps boys and young men of color — and all students — realize their full potential.
Those inducted during the ceremony in Albany were Octavian Porter and Jordan Torres.
“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.”
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.
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