My Brother’s Keeper Newark joins Newark Opportunity Youth Network

Newark, New Jersey -- The Newark chapter of My Brother’s Keeper (MBKN) announced an official merger today with the Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN). As part of NOYN, MBKN will lead policy and advocacy initiatives directly connected to local opportunity youth — young people ages 16 to 24  who are not participating in school or work. Thanks to relationships with the national My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, Prudential Financial, Inc. and other community-based advocacy groups, NOYN and MBKN will work together to create pathways for the more than the 1,000 opportunity youth across New Jersey.

 “This partnership aims to give voice and opportunity to a hidden demographic, elevate the issues of this population and provide access to quality opportunities that will activate our young people,” said Robert Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NOYN. “Together, we will work toward dimensional solutions to the challenges they face. It’s a perfect alliance.”

MBKN was established in 2014 when Newark Mayor Ras Baraka’s office accepted the Call to Action from My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Since its inception, Mayor Baraka has remained a vocal advocate of its initiatives and programs.

“In 2014, President Obama established the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to improve outcomes and tackle persistent opportunity gaps and challenges to ensure that all young people can reach their full potential in America.  I am proud to carry on this important work with Newark MBK and OYN. Together, their collective voice will continue to move Newark forward and create sustainable solutions that speak to the needs and priorities of our community,” Mayor Baraka stated.

NOYN is committed to helping young people by offering them alternative education programs, on-the-job training and a support system that lasts long after graduation. Policy advocacy remains a priority, alongside the network’s focus on designing education programs. Through this merger, MBKN will address legislative barriers that affect the NOYN population, while also engaging young adults in opportunities to help them be vocal advocates of change they want to see in their community.

“Newark was one of the first communities to accept President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge in 2014, and I’m thrilled to see the city continue to grow and strengthen this critical work,” said Michael D. Smith, Executive Director of MBK Alliance at the Obama Foundation.

“By focusing in this next phase of opportunity youth, the vast majority of whom are young men of color, MBK Newark will help highlight the urgent importance of ensuring clear pathways to opportunity for underserved youth to our communities and the country.” 

Shané Harris, Vice President of Corporative Giving at Prudential and President of the Prudential Foundation said, "We see the untapped potential of the 7,000 opportunity youth in Newark as key to the city’s financial wellness. Working together, My Brother's Keeper Newark and the Newark Opportunity Youth Network will help build supportive career pathways for young men of color in our community.”