YOUNG MEN FROM AREA HIGH SCHOOLS ATTEND ANNUAL MY BROTHER'S KEEPER EVENT ON THE BRONX CAMPUS

Today, approximately 150 high school juniors and seniors were welcomed to our Bronx campus for the annual My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) empowerment program, held in the Mintz Auditorium. 

University administrators and staff were proud to host students from six local high schools: Bronx Envision Academy, Bronx Academy of Health Careers, Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School, Fordham Leadership Academy, Gotham Collaborative High School, and Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Monroe President Marc Jerome and Celso Alvarez, Assistant Vice President of High School Enrollment. They encouraged the students to confidently share their thoughts, dreams, and opinions during the program’s interactive discussions.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative,” centered on powerful messages about self-empowerment, resilience, and overcoming the stereotypes and obstacles that often stand in the way of success.

Throughout the day, students engaged in candid, meaningful conversations, using microphones placed around the auditorium to express their goals, challenges, and perspectives—finding encouragement and connection with their peers in the process.

The program featured several inspiring keynote speakers. Dr. Anael Alston, Assistant Commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement, delivered a dynamic opening address. He spoke passionately about the importance of discovering one’s “why”—the personal motivator that drives each individual to pursue their goals. Moving through the audience, Dr. Alston invited students to reflect on what it means to be their brother’s keeper and to articulate the aspirations they hold for their lives.

Following him, George Patterson, Senior Director at the NYC Department of Education and leader of the city’s MBK and My Sister’s Keeper initiatives, delivered a powerful message. He reminded the young men that they are “kings,” emphasizing the responsibility they hold to themselves and their communities to live with purpose, integrity, and ambition.

Brandon Corley, Principal of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School, shared his personal journey to becoming an educator, speaking openly about the challenges he faced and how he discovered his own “why.”

Monroe staff members Emilio Wilson-King (Admissions) and Temajio Boodle (Res Life)—both alumni who once attended Monroe as students—spoke candidly about their college experiences, including the setbacks they overcame to stay on course and achieve their goals.

The event concluded with an important and thoughtful conversation on mental health and wellness, led by Dr. Solomon Wells, Monroe faculty member and student therapist. His session emphasized the importance of emotional well-being and accessing support when needed.

The MBK event is offered each year at no cost to participating schools or students’ families. Lunch was provided at the close of the day’s program.

My Brother’s Keeper is a national initiative launched in 2014 by then-President Barack Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. It promotes educational equity, mentorship, and community collaboration to help all young people realize their full potential.

Monroe  first launched its male empowerment programming in 2009 under a different name with the goal of improving college enrollment and graduation rates among urban minority men.

The My Brother’s Keeper program is held annually each spring on Monroe’s Bronx campus. A corresponding My Sister’s Keeper event for young women will take place on April 23.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, educators, and speakers who made this year’s My Brother’s Keeper program a meaningful and memorable experience.