Minneapolis Highlighting Stories Of Young Men Of Color

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The city of Minneapolis wants to highlight stories of young people doing great things in the community.

The Brothers and Fathers Institute held a conference to raise awareness meant to focus on the positive role young people can have in making their schools and communities safer.

Young men of color in Minneapolis are now part of the conversation geared at making sure they have what it takes make a positive impact in the community.

Betsy Hodges signed on to President Obama's My Brother's Keeper Initiative, a program designed to help more young men of color stay on track.

"It was really clear to me from day one as mayor that our city depends on our young people of color doing well," she said.

The gathering of Brothers and Fathers at the Humphrey Institute is proof the initiative is taking hold here in Minneapolis.

Isaiah Hudson works with the mayor to help prevent youth violence. The 18-year-old spends time with 3rd and 5th graders in the YMCA's Beacon program.

"I had a mentor when I was younger," Hudson said. "I'm taking my mentors' spot and trying to help my mentees so I feel good. It makes me feel real good because I feel like I'm giving back."

Hudson wants to erase the negative image some people have of guys who look like him.

"If you see a boy like me, with a baseball cap, baggy pants: 'He's probably a drug dealer or a gang banger or something like that,'" Hudson said. "That's not always the case."

He hopes the website and posting of the work done by young black men will help inspire others to help make the city a better place for everyone.

St. Paul is also involved with the initiative and has also launched a website where people are encouraged to post positive stories of young people in the community.