Copyright Chicago Tribune
The Lake County chapter of My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative started by former President Barack Obama, has officially earned its certification through the MBK Alliance, which aims to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. “Across America, programs that support youth development too often face limited resources and funding,” Lake County Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter said at an Oct. 14 press conference. “This certification affirms that when we invest in prevention, mentorship, and opportunity for young men of color, we build safer, stronger, and more prosperous communities for everyone.” Carter said the chapter aims to strengthen pathways to success through mentorship, education, leadership development, and community partnerships. Local officials such as U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton were on hand to lend their suppport along with middle and high school boys from Lake Ridge New Tech middle school and Calumet and West Side High Schools. “This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Danita Woods, CEO of Edgewater Health, in a news release. “With the support of the MBK Alliance, we can expand programs that uplift our youth and ensure every boy and young man of color in Lake County has the tools and encouragement to reach his full potential.” For more information about My Brother’s Keeper Lake County, contact Dr. Karen Bishop-Morris at kbmorris@edgewaterhealth.org 219-885-4264, ext. 2333.
