David Johns, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) will participate in a panel discussion at the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (NCBCP), “The Gathering of Black Men and Boys on The Hill Day” in Washington, D.C. at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, May 24.
Johns will discuss opportunities to support the cognitive, social, and emotional development of boys and men of color, including the need to ensure physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing. He also will share the work of the Obama Administration to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by all young people, including the My Brother's Keeper Initiative. In addition, he will highlight the MBK Success Mentor initiative and the importance of mentorship among young black men to ensure academic excellence, equity, and opportunity for students of color.
President Obama launched the My Brother's Keeper initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by young people, including boys and young men of color, and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. In response to the President's call to action, nearly 250 communities in all 50 states have accepted the President's My Brother's Keeper Community Challenge; more than $600 million in private sector and philanthropic grants and in-kind resources and $1 billion in low-interest financing have been committed in alignment with MBK; and new federal policy initiatives, grant programs, and guidance are being implemented to ensure that every child has a clear pathway to success from cradle to college and career.
The NCBCP’s Black Youth Vote! Civic Leadership & Engagement Program will be hosting the event that brings black men and boys from across the Nation to Washington, D.C. to engage members of Congress, policy makers, and other change agents surrounding opportunities in education and fatherhood.
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