Inspired by HomeGrown STL’s “strong track record of working to improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color,” the Obama Foundation’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance has named HomeGrown STL a “Community to Watch.”
Professor Sean Joe, director of HomeGrown STL, announced the designation last week at HomeGrown’s third annual regional summit, “Building Capacity for Community and Systems Change.”
“The nation is looking at us,” Joe told more than 150 participants at the summit. The summit is an annual working-group meeting that brings together researchers, service providers, funders and other allies to accelerate strategies to improve the health, development and upward mobility of black boys and young men in St. Louis City and County.
President Barack Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) from the White House five years ago. Its purpose is “to address the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color to ensure all youth can reach their full potential,” according to a letter to Joe from Broderick D. Johnson, chair of the MBK Alliance Advisory Council, and Michael D. Smith, executive director of the MBK Alliance.
“Since that time an unstoppable movement has grown to uphold and advance that promise,” they wrote. “You and your organization are a critical part of that movement and we’re excited to work alongside you in the months and years ahead.”
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