About the MBK Initiative

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Pittsburgh is an initiative that originated from the Obama administration to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure all young people can reach their full potential.

The City of Pittsburgh has embraced former President Barack Obama's call to action for “My Brother's Keeper. Mayor Ed Gainey is implementing a cross-sector alliance with firm commitments to join the administration's effort in creating a more equitable and inclusive Pittsburgh.

Together we can build unity and improve our beautiful city where all our residents, especially boys and young men of color, are safe and free from violence, feel welcome, see themselves in a positive manner, and have equitable access to opportunities that allow them to thrive in Pittsburgh.

After reviewing demographic, social, economic, and crime data as well as numerous community and academic reports, our advisory committee members and staff have been diligently planning and strategizing to reignite and move forward the work around MBK by structuring our community network to meet the needs of every Black man and boy.

MBK Pittsburgh Vision

MBK Pittsburgh wants to create a region where our Black men and boys are: safe and free from violence, feel welcome and see themselves in a positive manner, and have equitable access to opportunities that allow them to thrive.

Goals

The My Brother's Keeper initiative seeks to address the unique challenges faced by individuals within our high- and extreme-need communities by providing a platform for mentorship, educational resources, employment opportunities, and community engagement through six key milestone goals:

  1. All of our children enter school cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally prepared.
  2. All of our children read at grade-level by third grade.
  3. All of our young people complete post-secondary education or training.
  4. All of our young people graduate from college.
  5. All of our youth who have graduated from college or a training program are employed.
  6. All of our young people are safe from violent crime, and those who need it, receive the second chance they deserve.

Mayor Gainey and his administration are dedicated to improving the current condition within all six milestone goals through partnership and collaboration to provide wrap-around services and resources for our Black men and boys within the City of Pittsburgh. Together we can foster a sense of belonging and support to empower individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.

Highlighting Black Men & Boys

In this section we will spotlight Black men and boys from the City of Pittsburgh for their community service, philanthropy, leadership, innovation, achievement, dedication to public service, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and acts of bravery or heroism.
  • Nominate someone to be highlighted!

    We will add people as we accept nominees.

Advisory Committee

Brother Melvin El
Community Advisor to Mayor Ed Gainey

City of Pittsburgh

Dr. Michael Quigley
Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership

Robert Morris University

Taili Thompson
Director of Violence Prevention

Operation Better Block

Walter Lewis
President

Homewood Children’s Village

Aerion Abney
Elected Representative

Pennsylvania State House

Tamara Collier
Community Outreach Specialist

U.S. Attorneys Offices

Jorden King
Assistant Director

University of Pittsburgh Office of New Student Programs

Quincy Jones
Foreman

Department of Public Works, City of Pittsburgh

Ian Reynolds
STOP the Violence Coordinator

Department of Public Safety, City of Pittsburgh

Rev. Cornell Jones
Group Violence Intervention Coordinator

Department of Public Safety, City of Pittsburgh

James Phife Myers
Senior Director, Business Investment

Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

Rev. Dr. Darryl T. Canady
Senior Pastor

odman Street Missionary Baptist Church

Jim Gibbs
Co-Founder & CEO

Meeter Feeder

Stephen Scott
Associate

Jones Day

Josiah Gilliam
Executive Director

PUMP

Kevin McNair
Co-Founder, Executive Director

1Nation Mentorin

Jordan Morris
Community Schools Site Manager

Pittsburgh Public Schools

Shean Roy
Community Outreach & Intervention Specialist

Center for Victims