Dr. Anael Alston, assistant commissioner at the Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement, touted the success of the My Brother’s Keeper program in the city, saying it hit a new milestone in community reach.

He says the program would be impacted if federal funding was pulled, since it is a diversity-led initiative started by President Barack Obama almost a decade ago.

Dr. Alston emphasized the importance of supporting young men and women of color, saying this program addresses the needs of those students in schools.

He also shared the need for young people know their own history in this country.