Brown Helps Launch My Brother's Keeper Ohio Partnership with Ohio Public Libraries

Press Release

Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) helped launch a My Brother's Keeper Ohio (MBK Ohio) partnership with Ohio's public libraries. The new partnership will give MBK Ohio students access to a curated digital library of books written by African American authors that will be used as part of the statewide MBK Ohio virtual book club. OverDrive, a Cleveland based digital reading platform, is providing access to the library.

Kwame Alexander, the New York Times Bestselling Author, and 2015 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award Honor recipient, joined Brown, the Ohio Library Council, and Ohio State University's Kirwan Institute to kick-off the book club during the launch event. Alexander's book, The Crossover, is the first MBK OH virtual book club selection, which the Cleveland Public Library and Cuyahoga County Public Library led.

"This new partnership will give MBK Ohio students all over the state access to a curated digital library of books written by Black authors," said Brown. "These kinds of partnerships are really what MBK is all about -- it's showing more Black and brown kids that there is a whole network of people who want to open doors for you, and nurture your interests and your passions -- whatever they may be."

"The Ohio Library Council is proud to be a part of this program that promotes literacy and provides an amazing opportunity for young people in Ohio. We know it will have a positive and life-changing impact and we're excited about the enthusiasm it has sparked across the state," said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council.

"Cleveland Public Library is pleased to partner with U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and My Brother's Keeper to promote literacy and provide hope and opportunities for youth in the greater Cleveland area. We are dedicated to connecting children with books that reflect them, their curiosity and encourages further discovery," said Executive Director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library, Felton Thomas, Jr.

"Cuyahoga County Public Library is thrilled to partner with MBK-Ohio to promote reading and storytelling that inspires Ohio's youth, especially boys and young men of color, to reach their full potential," said Tracy Strobel, Executive Director of Cuyahoga County Public Library.

My Brother's Keeper was started by President Obama as a national initiative to address the opportunity gaps facing young men of color, and to ensure that all young people reach their full potential.

The 12 MBK Ohio Chapters currently operating each have their own unique focus and provide weekly instruction and programming for students. Senator Brown's office, in conjunction with Ohio State University, is collaborating to supplement this programming and provide enriching opportunities for students to gain exposure to various career opportunities as well as empowerment and advocacy tools.

Earlier this month, Brown was joined by Marsha Mockabee, Co-Chair of the Greater Cleveland MBK program, and Kevin Clayton, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement for the Cleveland Cavaliers, as they announced their partnership to engage with northeast Ohio students and address the opportunity gap facing young men of color. Rev. Stanley Miller, Co-Chair of the Greater Cleveland MBK, also joined the call. And in October, Brown announced a new partnership with the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and MBK Ohio to provide new virtual programming for students.

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