FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Tom Henry and several other city officials held a press conference to announce that the Summit City has accepted President Barack Obama’s call-to-action to become a My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) community.
Officials say the goal of the MBK Community Challenge is to bridge opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and to ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. The challenge also builds on Fort Wayne's participation in the Cities United partnership, a national effort aimed at eliminating violence-related deaths of African American males.
“We are honored to be part of these efforts because they enhance the prospects for achievement and success of our youth,” said Mayor Henry. “As we continue to enhance the quality of life in our community, it’s important that our youth experience that success as well, so that families in Fort Wayne become stronger and our neighborhoods become more connected.”
In conjunction with the MBK and Cities United efforts, Mayor Henry has selected four focus areas to pursue: education, employment, health and youth. The Mayor’s office intends to work with a group of community leaders to create a citywide plan of action for accomplishing these goals in areas that will improve the opportunities for all young people growing up in Fort Wayne.
