Now, more than ever, students are in need of positive influences.
Dr. Margie Daniels of the Peekskill City School District agrees and works diligently as the district’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) program administrator to ensure students are receiving the support critical to their academic and social development.
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Peekskill schools were early adopters of the national MBK program, an initiative launched by President Obama in 2014 to “address the persistent opportunity gaps boys and young men of color face, and to ensure all young people can reach their full potential.”
In the 10 years since Peekskill began the program, it has expanded from serving only high school students, to now include middle and elementary students as well.
“Starting at the elementary school, we begin early and build relationships,” said Dr. Daniels. “It helps the students and their families, and it also helps us as educators.”
Seven MBK Groups in Westchester
The New York State MBK Network includes 40 communities, and Westchester is very well represented – with seven of those 40 groups operating right here in the county. Local MBK chapters often collaborate on events and activities, allowing the young men in the programs to meet peers outside of their school.
Local community partners also help bring together students in the program.
“The MBK movement is one of the most powerful opportunities we can provide to our students to assist them on their pathway to success,” said Dr. David Mauricio, Superintendent of Schools. “It connects our students with positive and successful role models who can share their life experiences and wisdom. Together, students and mentors discuss college and career opportunities, while creating an action plan to realize their dreams. Peekskill partners with other organizations and community leaders, like the Black Diamonds Academic Success Program, Inc., to expand students’ opportunities and horizons.”
At the high school, mentors will check in with their mentees once a week, meet with them twice a month, and they also hold a monthly Empowerment Assembly that features guest speakers who discuss obstacles they’ve overcome and their paths to success.
“There were mentors who helped me get to where I am today, and it’s a blessing to do the same and give back to the students,” says Christian Zambrano, Assistant Principal and MBK Administrator at the high school. “MBK provides a safe space for students to open up and provide insights into their lives.”
“The students know they have a trusted core of adults to support them at every level” adds Dr. Daniels. “Because of that they know they have safety in the MBK community.”
Students Speak Out
The students have positive things to say about MBK.
“I think that MBK is a very important program, because it lifts people up,” noted an eleventh grader in the program at Peekskill High School (PHS). “It teaches us how to be a young adult, and in the society and environment we live in today, where people try to lead you on the wrong path, it’s important when we have people we can look up to.”
“It [the MBK program] is inspiring, and it has helped me turn my life around,” adds a fellow PHS student.
MBK Goes Mobile
Over the years, MBK members from Peekskill have visited the Culinary Institute of America, Broadway, Consumer Reports headquarters, the New York State Capitol and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as North Carolina Central University and Morehouse College.
Peekskill’s MBK students also provide community service. This past holiday season, students teamed up with Westchester County for its annual toy drive. Young men in the program have also helped organize food drives and have actively advocated for environmental causes by participating in Earth Day activities.
A tenth grader at PHS says he likes that MBK “gives me the chance to help others with volunteering opportunities.”
Most recently, on April 5, the Peekskill hosted the MBK Summit at their high school. The event, entitled Pathways to Success: Navigating Life’s Challenges, welcomed Dr. Lester W. Young, Jr., Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, to deliver the keynote address. The program was hosted by Dr. Mauricio, Dr. Eudes S. Budhai, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, and Dr. Daniels.
“Dr. Mauricio is a true advocate for our MBK scholars, said Dr. Daniels. “He compliments the students, highlights the initiatives, and he’s committed to make sure the program continues to serve our young men.”
Springboard to Success
For many students in Peekskill’s MBK program, high school is just the start of their success. Many continue onto college, trades or the military. Peekskill MBK graduates can be found at Howard University studying engineering and at Hofstra University studying education. One MBK alumni even became a licensed pilot after studying Aviation Sciences at the University of Delaware, while another is gainfully employed after graduating from the NASCAR Technical Institute.
Dr. Daniels additionally noted the powerful influence of peer-to-peer mentoring within the MBK program, as well as how the positive relationships and ideals formed during students’ high school years, extend into their real world experiences.
“MBK’s influence doesn’t end in high school,” said Dr. Daniels. “These relationships continue beyond graduation. Some alumni even come back to speak to the students. We would love to have a reunion of MBK alumni.”
Students feedback about the program’s benefits is profound and speaks for itself, with many MBK-ers saying they feel a familial bond with their fellow members.
“I’ve learned so much, especially when it comes to decision making,” said one PHS senior who serves as the program’s “fellow” member. “I just want to thank the staff, and my MBK brothers, for making this possible. I’m really blessed to be a part of this brotherhood/family.”
