TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution supporting President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” Community Challenge; and receive and file a status report on efforts with the City of Long Beach in support of this initiative. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On October 14, 2014, City Council requested the City Manager provide a report within 90 days on President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” (MBK) Community Challenge. City Council also requested methods on how the City of Long Beach can support the initiative to improve life outcomes and overcome barriers to success for young men of color in Long Beach. The City Council motion requested information on six components related to MBK.
The MBK Federal Taskforce report details recommendations for improving outcomes for boys and young men of color, with specific focus on youth jobs and internships, violence prevention, and community-oriented policing. It is recommended that local jurisdictions work with employers, mayors and others to expand summer jobs and internships, and enhance the quality of existing programs. The local effort should focus on investing in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and job training. Also, it should further the work of violence prevention by integrating the public health approach and enhance collaboration between federal leaders, state leaders, mayors, and others to implement and scale up successful violence and gang prevention initiatives currently underway. Lastly, the local police department, along with the community, should continue to promote community-oriented policing strategies and efforts to build trust between communities and law enforcement.
There are several City programs that support MBK which are captured in the Safe Long Beach Violence Prevention Plan (Safe Long Beach). Safe Long Beach is the City’s comprehensive effort designed to address all forms of violence, including child abuse, domestic violence, hate crimes, bullying, gang violence, and violent crime. Safe Long Beach Workg...
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