About MBK

Mission

The City of Columbus’ My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Initiative is committed to advancing equity and opportunity for boys and young men of color by aligning with the MBK Alliance’s six milestones to ensure they can reach their full potential. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, leadership development, and policy advocacy, MBK Columbus works to eliminate barriers and create pathways to success in education, employment, and community engagement.

Guided by the national MBK Alliance framework, our mission is to:

1. Ensure all boys enter school ready to learn by expanding access to high-quality early childhood education and family support resources.
2. Ensure all boys read at grade level by third grade through literacy initiatives, tutoring, and community engagement in education.
3. Ensure all young men graduate from high school ready for college and career by fostering mentorship, academic support, and career exploration programs.
4. Ensure all young men complete postsecondary education or training by increasing access to scholarships, workforce development programs, and vocational training.
5. Ensure all young men out of school are employed or receive the training they need by connecting them to employment opportunities, job readiness training, and entrepreneurship resources.
6. Ensure all young men remain safe from violent crime and have second chances by supporting community-based violence prevention efforts, reentry programs, and restorative justice initiatives.

Through collaboration with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses and local government, MBK Columbus works to create a city where every boy and young man of color has the support, resources, and opportunities to succeed.

History

President Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper program in February 2014, in response to the death of Trayvon Martin. The program sought to address the persistent opportunity gaps boys and young men of color face and to ensure all young people can reach their full potential.

We believe communities are the unit of change to realize improved life outcomes for boys and young men of color. Research shows that the collective work of community leaders, members, and public and private agencies pursuing the same goals for boys and young men of color can lead to sustainable, place-based change.

Inspired by this national movement, the City of Columbus accepted the challenge and established MBK Village in 2017 as a commitment to advancing equity, opportunity, and empowerment for boys and young men of color in our community. Since its founding, MBK Village worked alongside local leaders, educators, businesses, and grassroots organizations to create mentorship opportunities, leadership development programs, and career pathways that help BYMOC thrive.

To reinforce its position as a permanent, city-backed initiative and align with national MBK leaders, MBK Village transitioned to MBK Columbus in 2025. This change reflects our commitment to growth, stability, and expanding our impact, ensuring that every BYMOC in Columbus has access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

Today, MBK Columbus remains at the forefront of this movement, leading innovative solutions that break down barriers, build strong community partnerships, and empower the next generation of leaders. With a renewed focus on data-driven impact, mentorship, and leadership development, we are positioning Columbus as a national leader in MBK efforts and setting a new standard for youth empowerment.

As we continue to grow, MBK Columbus invites mentors, community leaders, businesses, and youth to join us in this work. Together, we are creating a stronger, more equitable future—because when our BYMOC succeed, our entire community thrives.