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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has launched and initiative called "My Brother's Keeper."
Speaking at the White House, Obama said stronger efforts are needed to create more opportunities for young minority men and to improve conditions that keep them impoverished and imprisoned in disproportionate numbers. Ticking off statistics on fatherhood, literacy, crime and poverty, Obama said boys and young men of color men consistently do worse in society.
And he personalized the message, telling the crowd in the White House East Room, that growing up without a father, he made excuses, bad choices, and ultimately sold himself short.
Under Obama's initiative, businesses, foundations and community groups would coordinate their investments to develop and support programs that keep youths in school and out of the criminal justice system, while improving their access to higher education. Several foundations pledged at least $200 million over five years to promote that goal.
White House adviser Valerie Jarrett says the president and first lady Michelle Obama see the effort as a moral responsibility that they plan to pursue "for the rest of their lives."
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226-a-11-(President Barack Obama, speaking at launch of "My Brother's Keeper" initiative)-"that it is"-President Obama says the worst part is America has become numb to the awful statics about inner-city youth. (27 Feb 2014)
<<CUT *226 (02/27/14)££ 00:11 "that it is"
227-a-12-(President Barack Obama, speaking at launch of "My Brother's Keeper" initiative)-"I made excuses"-President Obama says he tells young, at-risk men that he grew up without a father -- and knows what they're going through. (27 Feb 2014)
<<CUT *227 (02/27/14)££ 00:12 "I made excuses"
225-a-11-(President Barack Obama, speaking at launch of "My Brother's Keeper" initiative)-"and young men"-President Obama says despite the important progress that's been made, too many young blacks and Latinos are dropping out, getting in trouble and going to jail. (27 Feb 2014)
<<CUT *225 (02/27/14)££ 00:11 "and young men"
229-a-12-(President Barack Obama, speaking at launch of "My Brother's Keeper" initiative)-"critical, life-changing moments"-President Obama says the initiative is aimed at helping young men of color make the right choices in life. (27 Feb 2014)
<<CUT *229 (02/27/14)££ 00:12 "critical, life-changing moments"
228-a-14-(President Barack Obama, speaking at launch of "My Brother's Keeper" initiative)-"pathways to success"-President Obama says his initiative isn't a big-government program -- but it will help young black and Hispanic men understand that their nation values them. (27 Feb 2014)
<<CUT *228 (02/27/14)££ 00:14 "pathways to success"
APPHOTO DCEV102: President Barack Obama gestures while speaking in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, to promote his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. Joined at the White House by young men of color, Obama on Thursday was calling on America's businesses, philanthropists and government leaders to join forces to put more boys on a path toward successful lives. Foundations were to announce pledges to spend at least $200 million over five years to promote that goal as Obama launches his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) (27 Feb 2014)
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APPHOTO DCEV103: President Barack Obama gestures while speaking in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, to promote his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. Joined at the White House by young men of color, Obama on Thursday was calling on America's businesses, philanthropists and government leaders to join forces to put more boys on a path toward successful lives. Foundations were to announce pledges to spend at least $200 million over five years to promote that goal as Obama launches his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) (27 Feb 2014)
<<APPHOTO DCEV103 (02/27/14)££
APPHOTO DCPM101: President Barack Obama pauses while speaking in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, where he announced a new initiative to provide greater opportunities for young black and Hispanic men called 'My Brother's Keeper'. The White House is partnering with businesses, nonprofits and foundations to address disparities in education, criminal justice and employment. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (27 Feb 2014)
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APPHOTO DCPM103: President Barack Obama hugs Christian Champagne, 18, a senior at Hyde Park Career Academy in Chicago, after being introduced before launching a new initiative to provide greater opportunities for young black and Hispanic men called 'My Brother's Keeper' Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, in the East Room of the White House in Washington. The White House is partnering with businesses, nonprofits and foundations to address disparities in education, criminal justice and employment. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) (27 Feb 2014)
<<APPHOTO DCPM103 (02/27/14)££
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