Program Helps to “Achieve Inclusive Excellence”

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “This program shows what can happen when we really care,” affirmed Newburgh Enlarged City School Board (NECSD) Member and community mentor, Philip Howard. “There are just no words to express how this makes me feel; my heart is so full.”

Howard, speaking at Wednesday’s “My Brother’s Keeper” (MBK) virtual Summit, was responding to his recognition as a devoted mentor to young boys and men in the program launched by President Barack Obama in 2014. Four years later, the NECSD accepted the challenge, joining hundreds of cities across the nation. Initially NECSD was present in four schools; that number has since spiked to 13 buildings. Focusing on improving life outcomes, while opening up opportunities for young people (particularly young men of color), MBK works to ensure they have the needed tools and other support to reach their full potential.
Superintendent of the NECSD, Dr. Roberto Padilla, an avid proponent of the program since its inception in 2019, provided the welcoming remarks.

“We will achieve inclusive excellence,” said Padilla. “We want our scholars to know that we support you, and that you have everything in you to be great; we are committed to moving from rhetoric to action.”

Pieces of that forward motion were revealed during the well-attended Summit. Videotaped clips of elementary students at Horizons-on-the Hudson were shown unveiling some of the many gems MBK instills. Students spoke of their passion for and commitment to making the world around them a better place, including providing safe spaces for the homeless as well as equity in policing. Older NECSD members, clad in formal attire, astutely tuned in to the 90 minute program, showcasing all the program has and aspires to achieve. Several dignitaries were also in attendance, motivating the young charges as well as expressing their pride for all they have accomplished with the group so far.

“We are at a very critical moment in history; what we will do will have a great impact for generations to come,” exclaimed Dr. Lester Young, Chancellor of the New York Board of Regents, as he spoke of the importance of MBK to the school, community and beyond. “This is truly a community effort.”

Another esteemed guest, Dr. Anal Alston, Assistant Commissioner Office of Access and Equity and Community Engagement, delivered similar remarks, containing the critical nature of the Program’s impact.

What will we do with this moment of time; will we say enough of normalization and the stigma of young people of color?” posed Dr. Alston. “Take action, and love your brother; we want to be remembered as people who did the work.”

Proof of those who put in the MBK work and flourished as a result were also on hand. MBK alumnus, including Newburgh Free Academy graduate, Kameron King, attended the ZOOM meetup.

“The My Brother’s Keeper program was a way to give back to my community while still going to school and getting what I needed to get done accomplished,” said King. “It was really empowering to listen to the speakers, and really was like a brotherhood to me, opening up my eyes while preparing me for college and life.” King added, “I learned a lot from Obama about black people coming together, and it has been so exciting to see MBK grow; its more than a program, it’s a brotherhood which really let’s you know there is someone always there if you need them.”

And still more lies ahead for MBK. Several upcoming focal groups were outlined, including; Newburgh Basics Birth-3 Years, Community Resources for Family, College and Career Pathway, Strong Fathers and Father Figures and Mayor’s Attendance/Keeping Students on Track. Each is designed and aimed at developing integral equity and unwavering support for all involved.

Sherman Brown, from the motivational group, Aim High, and one of the many revered guest speakers of the evening, could not have been more proud of the work members of the MBK Program in the NECSD have already put in and continue to accomplish every day.

“Each of you can achieve what you believe; do not allow your geography to determine your biography,” Brown advised the scholars. Noting their insistence on persevering and growing despite these unique and challenging times, he added, “You guys are Pandemic proof.”