Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Initiatives

My Brother's Keeper Summer Academy 2022

On August 2nd, 2022, My Brother's Keeper was launched at City Honors by Jason Reynolds, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Reynolds shared with the 6th and 7th grade scholars his childhood story about his family, life growing up in Baltimore, what inspired his passion to become an author, and words of wisdom for the MBK scholars to follow their own passions and dreams.

Over the next two weeks, MBK scholars traveled on several field excursions that included the Seneca Museum in Salamanca; The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cozad Bates House, and Cultural Gardens in Cleveland, Ohio; historical buildings along the Michigan Street Corridor - Colored Musicians Club, Nash House and Michigan Street Baptist Church. MBK scholars also participated in a painting event led by local artist Tyshaun D. Tyson; athletics such as basketball, football, swimming and lacrosse; and a Family Carnival to culminate the MBK Summer Academy. 

Opening the Day with the Village

Cleveland, Ohio

Painting Workshop with Local Artist Tyshaun D. Tyson

Celebrating Summer 2021 with My Brother's Keeper

(Click to view videos)

STEAM DAY with MBK

Broderick Park Celebration 

MBK Broderick Park.mp4 from WNYMedia Services on Vimeo.

CARNIVAL Day 

My Brother's Male Academy

On Tuesday, August 6, 2019, the My Brother’s Keeper Male Academy program launched with a city wide ceremony that included mentors from every profession, including politics, education, transportation, law, the fire department, and more. It was on this day when 100 scholars were affirmed as the next generation of professionals that will take the baton of success and not only continue to advance communities of color, but continue to advance all communities. Below are pictures of scholars and their mentors, whom they shadowed with for the morning. Scholars learned what it takes to run the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Public Schools, the Court system, the NFTA, and other businesses that make our City of Good Neighbors function. The day ended with a beautiful luncheon for everyone.

Superintendent, Dr. Kriner Cash, in his office with MBK scholars that will carry the educational baton.

Associate Superintendent, Dr. Fatima Morrell, assisting a future public speaker with his speech on the steps of City Hall.

City of Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown, greets a future politician with a handshake.

Sabatino Cimato, Lead Associate Superintendent of Secondary School Leadership shares his office with a studious MBK scholar.

Mayor Brown mentors three scholars in his chambers at City Hall.

Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs, Planning, & Community Engagement, Dr. Will Keresztes, collaborates with MBK Scholars during his morning meeting.

Oswaldo Mestre Jr., Director of Citizen Services for the City of Buffalo, receives an official MBK tie from his mentees.

NYS Regent, Dr. Catherine Collins, joins Superintendent Cash for the MBK opening Ceremony.

Scholars stop to take a picture with News 4 reporter, Gabrielle Mediak.

MBK Night on the Town was an extraordinary night where our young men rode, dined, and were cultured in style and class.  In their white shirts and famous blue MBK ties, scholars were transported by limousine to Soul Food Cuisine restaurant, Je Ne Sais Quoi, where they demonstrated dining etiquette. They then traveled to Buffalo State College for a sophisticated, classical trombone concert with none other than Dr. Dunwoody Mirvil.

MBK scholars take on Facebook live from their limousine .

MBK brothers just having fun during their limousine ride.

MBK scholars working on their physiques during their athletics block at Saturday Academy. At every Saturday Academy, our young men learn the importance of taking care of their bodies as well as their minds. It is more than just physical education. It is about team work as well as physical endurance.

MBK brothers are enjoying a game of bowling.

MBK scholars are learning how to swim.

Scholars enjoy the Black and Brown Like Me program during a Saturday Academy. Mentors from all over the City of Buffalo came to support our young men with intellectual dialogues on identity awareness and becoming successful as males of color in society.

Scholars listen and talk with a mentor during an instructional session.

Scholars engage in a restorative circle with a mentor after instructional time.

Scholars take notes from a community mentor during an instructional lesson.

An MBK scholar helps his brother at the tie ceremony.

MBK scholars show their solidarity during an after-school session.

MBK scholars at School #89 take a moment during their after school session to pose for the camera.

MBK Scholars at the Harriet Tubman Day Parade

Superintendent Cash and Associate Morrell share a moment of cultural dancing along with MBK scholars and teachers at the Harriet Tubman Day parade.

MBK scholars and teachers pose together in front of the Frank E. Merriweather Library after participating in the Harriet Tubman Day parade.

The My Brother’s Keeper Male Academy program takes on the 2020 Urban Forum and is a huge hit!

This year, the MBK program partnered with We Thrive to teach our scholars how to develop a business. It was a new learning experience where scholars created real products and services. Each school set up a table to display their products where Urban Forum participants were able to engage with scholars about their businesses. Scholars were especially excited, because they made a profit from their sales!

Ms. Davis and her MBK scholars from School #97 are selling gourmet popcorn and a drink.

An MBK scholar is explaining the service of his business.

MBK scholars pose with their business plan display board.

School #80 displays their business board on their service to help stop bullying.

Scholars are engaging a customer in dialogue about their product.

A happy MBK businessman stands in front of his business display board.