On January 15, My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Sacramento honored 26 young people of color who have successfully completed the program’s 12-week fellowship. This milestone was marked by a Rites of Passage ceremony, celebrating their growth in leadership, workforce development, community-building and civic engagement.
At the event, MBK Sacramento Program Officer Ray Green shared, “These young people are phenomenal, they are intelligent, they are gifted. All they need is an opportunity.”
Jaya Riser, one of the youth participants, shared, “I have a hard time socializing, but with this [fellowship], I got to connect in a judgement-free zone, unlike many other spaces.”
“Rites of Passage symbolizes growth and responsibility,” said Edward King, chief program officer of community impact at United Way California Capital Region. “Whether it’s the Maasai warrior ceremony in Kenya, the quinceañera in Latin America, or even graduation ceremonies in classrooms across the world, these moments signify more than a milestone. They are a recognition of your courage, accountability and fortitude to take on the world.”
Following the ceremony, the fellows embarked on a 12-week environmentally focused workplace training program with Green Technical Education and Employment, equipping them with skills for green careers. This initiative is part of NetZero Mobility Hubs, which connects young people to environmental workforce training and supports the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in historically disinvested neighborhoods.
MBK Sacramento was launched in response to President Obama’s 2014 initiative addressing systemic opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color. The program is supported by Sierra Health Foundation and managed by The Center. This year’s fellowship is strengthened by partnership with United Way California Capital Region and funding from Congresswoman Doris Matsui and the NBA Foundation.
Photos from the event
Highlights in the media