Skip to content

My Brother's Keeper Alliance

We are the Ones | MBK Alliance

If you want to stand for something, stand for someone.

We are the Ones.

Research shows that young adults that have mentors are 52% more likely to attend school regularly and 55% more likely to attend college.

About the We Are The Ones Campaign

"We Are The Ones” means that everyone has a role in ensuring that boys and young men of color feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity. A critical way to support young people is through mentorship. By utilizing the Mentoring Connector, a volunteer can enter their name and zip code and immediately view a list of local mentoring opportunities. Once a volunteer submits their information, the organization will reach out to begin the process of matching

Why Mentor?

Nearly 1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor. This gap is even more acute for boys and young men of color. Yet research confirms that young adults who were at risk for falling off track but had a mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 78% more likely to volunteer regularly, and 90% more likely to become a mentor themselves.-The Mentoring Effect, 2014

MBK Alliance Mentoring Resources

Check out the  Guide to Mentoring Boys and Young Men of Color (Opens in a new tab) , which features best practices and successful programs that support boys and young men of color.

Additionally, MBK Alliance and MENTOR launched a  webinar series (Opens in a new tab)  disseminating knowledge and best-practices across the field.

In this portrait, President Obama is shown at a dining table with various skinned
men with various suits on.
A group of men with medium-deep skin tones are shown shaking hands with
each other in a circle.
In this picture, two medium-deep men face the camera. One man wearing
a gray sweater ties a light blue tie around the other man who wears a white
button-up shirt.

My Brother’s Keeper: President Obama Mentoring Legacy

This video was produced by and is courtesy of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.

This video was produced by and is courtesy of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.

"The Mentorship" feat. POTUS and Steph

This video is courtesy of the Obama White House. MBK Alliance scales and sustains the mission of the Obama White House Initiative, My Brother’s Keeper.

This video is courtesy of the Obama White House. MBK Alliance scales and sustains the mission of the Obama White House Initiative, My Brother’s Keeper.

Donate
Today

We need your help to turn hope into action—to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Visit
  • 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
  • 1-(773)-900-0044
  • The Museum

    The Obama Presidential Center Museum is a world-class landmark that tells the story of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama presidency. The Museum is comprised of four levels of exhibitions and the Sky Room, a 5,000 square foot space that offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago. Entry to the Museum is by time-ticket or event participation. Monday | 1 - 8 p.m. CTTuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

  • Forum Building

    The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Home Court

    Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. Home Court offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. The two level space includes an NBA-sized regulation basketball court, seven flexible multipurpose rooms, two outdoor courtyards, and several multi-level seating areas for visitors.Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT

  • Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

    Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama.Mon & Wed12 - 8 p.m. CTTues & Thur10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CTFri & Sat9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CTSun1 -5 p.m. CT

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Read more  about our tax-exempt status.

© 2026 The Barack Obama Foundation.