MBK Alliance youth explore leadership and culture in Brazil

This Spring, eight young men from Chicago and Newark boarded their first international flight—passports in hand and possibility ahead. Through a cultural exchange in Rio de Janeiro with the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and supported by The Prudential Foundation, the young men immersed themselves in new cultures and sparked deep, meaningful connections. 

"I feel like we're the same people just on different sides of the world," Jesus Dimas reflected. "We all have the same interests in music, food, and the way we dress, and even though we're thousands of miles apart, we are still connected by our culture."

The trip’s immersive itinerary included a visit to Prudential’s expansive Rio offices and introductions to international business leaders and talent, bringing to life MBK’s mission to ensure that all youth out of school are employed. The experience broadened the young men’s scope of career pathways and opportunities and brought MBK’s mission to life on a global stage.

Before stepping foot in Rio, the young men spent months preparing for their journey. Through a series of virtual workshops, they learned about Brazil’s history, talked about common challenges young men of color face across the African diaspora, and set personal goals for the experience. They even visited a local Brazilian restaurant to taste the flavors of the country and connect over a meal.

Once in Rio, the group was greeted with the beautiful landscapes, vibrant music, and unique architecture of the city. They were immediately swept into the warmth and energy of the city, even more so once they connected with youth from Centro de Promoçáo da Saúde Brasil (Cedaps), who would join them for the duration of their stay. In workshops with Brazilian students, MBK youth explored themes of leadership, brotherhood, identity, and social justice. Together, they examined the role young people play in shaping their communities—and how their voices can build a more inclusive future.

Between museum visits, samba lessons, and neighborhood tours, the young men found connection and bonded over their shared experiences even though they’re worlds apart.

"This experience is representative of the transformative experiences that are made available to boys and young men of color when we work collaboratively to infuse them with joy and expand their world," shared Dr. Adren Wilson, Vice President, Youth Opportunity Programs and Executive Director, My Brother's Keeper Alliance. "I am so proud of this work and look forward to the incredible impact these young brothers will have on the world around them."

The MBK Alliance was launched in 2014 by President Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color  to ensure they reach their maximum potential. Since inception, the program has expanded its impact to create more pathways of opportunity for boys and young men of color. 

The Brazil exchange is MBK’s second international trip, following a cultural exchange in London (Opens in a new tab). In London, four Chicago-based MBK youth partnered with students from Ravensbourne University to explore culture and creativity. They toured popular sites and received advice from college students. While in Chicago, the young men met with fashion designer Don C, visited the Chicago Bulls, toured Wilson Basketball, and explored Chicago’s downtown.

This year’s exchange was made possible through a partnership with The Prudential Foundation, as part of its 150th anniversary celebration and long-standing commitment to racial equity and economic empowerment. For many of the youth, this was the first time they held a passport—a powerful symbol of the new doors being opened through the MBK Alliance’s work. These experiences represent what’s possible when young men of color are empowered and supported.

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to open in 2026, these global exchanges offer a glimpse of what’s to come. The Center will be a hub for programs like the MBK Alliance, creating space for young leaders to connect, grow, and make an impact around the world.