WASHINGTON, DC - Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement on President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative. Chair Fudge joined President Obama, foundation and business leaders during yesterday’s meeting in the State Dining Room where the President discussed the initiative’s goals.

“I applaud President Obama for launching “My Brother’s Keeper.” This unprecedented initiative will bring organizations together across public and private sectors to support young men of color in effective and innovative ways.

“Statistics show that African American males have a greater risk of being in categories that prevent them from realizing their full potential, such as having higher incarceration and dropout rates. But we know this is neither due to a lack of ability nor a lack of will, but a lack of opportunity and support. Developing and implementing effective solutions that invest in rather than dismiss these young men are proven to have tremendous results. The President acknowledged a number of these programs, including the highly successful 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project launched 21 years ago by Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24) in Miami. I believe “My Brother’s Keeper” will provide initiatives like this one the platform and scale needed to benefit thousands more young men across our nation. The support they will receive through “My Brother’s Keeper” will not only change their individual lives, but will also socially and economically benefit our nation. I know we will see the positive short and long-term outcomes of this work.

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus look forward to supporting the “My Brother’s Keeper” Initiative in our communities and we reaffirm our long-standing commitment of ensuring young men of color in America are not forgotten or left behind.”

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