In 2014, President Barack Obama challenged cities around the nation to join with him in an effort to build opportunities for boys and young men of color in an initiative called My Brother's Keeper (MBK). The initiative included a step by step playbook for cities to complete the challenge.  

In September of 2014, Mayor Paul Soglin and the Common Council officially pledged, on behalf of the City of Madison, to become a My Brother's Keeper Community. The pledge included a commitment to hold a local action summit and develop recommendations for action to improve access to opportunity for boys and young men of color. Through a youth and young adult survey, Madison youth identified the City's two main focus areas:

  • Ensure all young boys and men of color graduate from high school
  • Ensure all boys and young men of color stay safe from violent crime and receive second chances.

In May of 2016, the City of Madison entered into a contract with the Urban League of Greater Madison to complete step four of the MBK playbook and represent MBK Madison in the areas of Community Schools and Restorative Justice, coordinate community partners and expand outreach.

We ask you to join with us and commit to be your Brother's Keeper:

Pledge Now


My Brother's Keeper
My Brother's Keeper
My Brother's Keeper