We are absolutely thrilled to have played an important role in advancing conversations about Black men and boys here in Baton Rouge. From convening the Urban Congress from 2016 through 2019 to helping the city reestablish a local chapter of My Brother's Keeper in 2021, we have been unwavering in our commitment to affirm the dignity of our Black men and boys and ensure they have access to the resources and supports that will allow them to thrive.
We celebrate MBK’s new home with the YMCA and look forward to continuing to support the advancement of this critical work. To learn more about MBK BR and how you can get involved, please visit
History
In 2010 the Status of Black Boys and Men in Louisiana was released. The findings of this document would highlight a myriad of persistent challenges that both plague and find expression in the lives of African American boys and men in Louisiana. These challenges are manifest in health status, educational attainment, employment and income disparities, contact with the criminal justice system and life expectancy to name just a few.
Utilizing the data presented in this document, MetroMorphosis launched the Urban Congress on African American Males where concerned community members could plan discuss the challenges and plan interventions that would have an impact on the lives of Black boys and men of color in Baton Rouge.
10 years later, at the height of covid, MetroMorphosis held a three day virtual convening inviting Black boys and men of color ages 13+ to express what they were currently seeing, feeling and what areas of focus were the most important of them. They presented education, workforce development and narrative as their most pressing challenges and these would become the first action tables for the My Brothers Keeper Baton Rouge relaunch!
Education
It is critical for the group to leverage education for a more empowered and politically active citizenry.Workforce
Working to address the rising rates of unemployment in our communities.Narrative Change
Working to address the misrepresentation by the mass media, entertainment and other platforms and utilize their voice to combat false narratives.