Hi i'm Sandra Lyons

About MBK


My Brother’s Keeper initiative was launched in February 2014 by former President Obama in response to the persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color across our nation. Many cities, towns, and tribal governments have risen to the call to action as local MBK chapters to ensure all young people can reach their full potential. 

MBK Charlotte-Mecklenburg accepted the MBK Community Challenge in 2018 and is led by Executive Director, Don Thomas alongside a nineteen-member steering committee.

MBKCLTMeck is a collective impact organization founded by men of color that utilizes a collective impact model to address the inequities of Boys of Color. 

Our collective impact approach takes into account a “root-cause analysis” and addresses the need for a result based accountability structure by asking key questions for proven best practices that drive impact.

The key challenge in securing transformative outcomes for our boys and young men of color (BYMOC) is developing a process that allows us to be both “short-term responsive and long-term strategic”. We seek to create a systems approach that facilitates collective impact through collective action. The MBKCLTMeck framework is targeted in its strategy and universal in its goal. 

Milestones

My Brother’s Keeper is focused on six milestones:

Getting a Healthy Start and Entering School Ready to Learn
All children should have a healthy start and enter school ready -- cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. 


Reading at Grade Level by Third Grade
All children should be reading at grade level by age 8 -- the age at which reading to learn becomes essential.

Graduating from High School Ready for College and Career
All youth should receive a quality high school education and graduate with the skills and tools needed to advance to postsecondary education or training. 

Completing Postsecondary Education or Training
Every American should have the option to attend postsecondary education and receive the education and training needed for the quality jobs of today and tomorrow. 

Successfully Entering the Workforce
Anyone who wants a job should be able to get a job that allows them to support themselves and their families.

Keeping Kids on Track and Giving Them Second Chances
All youth and young adults should be safe from violent crime; and individuals who are confined should receive the education, training, and treatment they need for a second chance.

Our Values

Data-driven
Outcome focused
Research-based
Targeted universalism

Inclusion
Cultural Responsiveness
Collaboration
Male of Color Led

Don Thomas

Executive Director

  • 01
    15 years experience in Advanced Youth Development
  • 02
    A transformation oriented leader that has help shape systems approaches for social justice through data, investments and service delivery coordination.
  • 03
    Bachelor's degree in Politics & Government and Biblical & Theological studies, as well as a Master's degree in Religious Leadership concentration in Social Transformation.
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MBKCLT-MECK Team: 
                  
Director of Data and Impact



Board of Directors:

Frank Barnes
Reginald Bean
Ken Burton
Kieth Cockrell
Michael DeVaul
Mark Jerrell
Eric Lewis
Jorge Millares
Anthony Trotman
Braxton Winston

I am Aaron

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  • 01
    Over 10 years of experience
  • 02
    Coached 2,000+ people
  • 03
    Bachelors in nutrition
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