Today Mayor Sylvester Turner celebrated My Brother’s Keeper Houston’s (MBKH) accomplishments over the past eight years during his tenure and introduced its new Director, Chazz Bailey, who shared his vision for the future.

MBKH, a Houston Health Department initiative focusing on boys and young men of color, leverages the expertise of educational institutions, nonprofits and other partners to combine strategies and programs to increase opportunities and close disparity gaps that exist in disadvantaged communities.

“It's not about activities but it is about transforming lives for the better,” Turner said. “We have a lot of growing left to do. It is about reaching men, women, and meeting these young boys and young girls where they are and let them know their lives can be different.”

Since 2014, MBKH has been critical in raising young boys and men of color out of poverty in some of Houston’s historically underserved communities. The initiative has led the charge in advocating for change in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, funded a mentoring program and collaborated with partners for a collective impact.

Bailey shared his vision for the future of the initiative and highlighted MBKH’s Six Milestones that help guide the path to adulthood for its members, which have been key to its impact on Houston’s youth.

“We will make our vision of providing access to opportunities, support, hope and lasting positive change for young men of color a reality,” Bailey said. “MBK Houston looks forward to the future, as we begin a new chapter.”

The Six Milestones are:

Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn

Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade

Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career

Completing Postsecondary Education or Training

Successfully Entering the Workforce

Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances

Some of MKBH’s partner programs include the Houston Youth Workforce Council, MBK Wrap Network, MBK ReDirect Diversion Program and the MBK TeamUp for Houston’s Youth.

“The Houston Health Department is proud to serve as the backbone for this great initiative and lead the charge in mapping a successful path for young men of color,” said Stephen L. Williams, director, Houston Health Department.

Turner ended the afternoon with a commitment to MBKH and Houston’s youth. “This is the relaunch, and the mayor is all in,” he said. “Over the next three months this program will receive the mayor’s intensive intervention.”