NEW ROCHELLE, NY — New Rochelle High School Principal Reggie Richardson is at the White House today to attend the national summit of My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative started by President Barack Obama in February 2014 to ensure all boys and young men of color have an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Richardson is accompanied by New Rochelle Councilman Jared Rice. Both are co-chairs of My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle.
In April 2015, New Rochelle became the first municipality in Westchester to accept President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge, and one of the first in New York State.
In the two-and-a-half years since then, MBKNewRo, a wide-ranging partnership of local nonprofits, educators, government officials, and volunteers, has worked to expand opportunities for children and young adults, especially boys of color. It pairs boys and young men with mentors who guide them through critical moments. Their presence helps kids stay connected to school, work, and the community.
“My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle continues to have a positive impact on students and increases their access to opportunity,” said Richardson. “We are proud of the continued support that our students receive from our community partners, and we look forward to learning from our fellow MBK communities. We are thrilled to be addressed by the president this afternoon.”
President Obama will address the summit at 4:45 p.m., according to a statement released by the White House. The summit will be livestreamed on www.whitehouse.gov.
“I am proud to represent the New Rochelle community at the summit,” said Rice. “We will continue to grow the successful partnership between the city and the school district.”
My Brother’s Keeper New Rochelle has organized a viewing party at New Rochelle High School to hear President Obama speak. A group will begin gathering in Room 222 at 4:15 p.m.