Nearly 600 young women of color from across New York state school districts filled the Gould Memorial Library at Bronx Community College for the official statewide launch of My Sister’s Keeper (MSK). A focus of the initiative is also to eliminate disparities for young women in STEM fields.
The event was to announce the state’s formal commitment to provide financial resources for the local MSK initiatives at state schools. Representatives of over 52 school districts were in attendance.
The program from the NY Department of Education developed out of My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) and aims “to build safe and supportive communities where girls feel valued and create clear pathways to opportunity.” Students from 4th to 12th grade are eligible to join.
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Speakers included elected officials such as Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson who delivered an impassioned keynote speech, New York State board of regents Chancellor Lester A. Young, Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa, and board member Aramina Vega Ferrer. At the front of the stage were posters of innovative women throughout history including Vice President Kamala Harris, Hazel Dukes, Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor. The theme of “lift as we climb,” was demonstrated throughout the event as speakers emphasized the importance of supporting sisterhood and mentorship.
“I’m more than excited, more than proud, because it is finally with the sisters’ time to shine,” said Cheyenne Purcell, 18, a senior at the Mathematics Science Research and Technology Magnet High School in Queens.
Purcell, along with other classmates have been part of the MSK NYC initiative which was launched in 2020.
“I’m very glad and proud to be a part of the year that we become [a statewide program],” Purcell shared.
The MBK task force was first created by former President Barack Obama in 2014 following the killing of Trayvon Martin. He challenged state leaders to adopt regional programs and New York became the first to launch a statewide program in 2016, accompanied by a $20 million investment. In 2015, Obama also spoke at Lehman College in the Bronx for the launch of the MBK Alliance.
During the launch, Purcell and classmate and MSK peer Elialah Hasan, 18, spoke on a panel with other young women from city schools about their experience and the work they focus on with their groups from mentorship, self love, and community service.
“I love building up my sisters,” Hasan said about her more senior role with students at her school. “I just hope and pray that they take this and run with it.”
Both young women credit their teacher, Sandra Stokes, who accompanied them to the launch, for suggesting that they join the program. Stokes has worked closely supporting the MBK program at their school and said she saw firsthand how MSK was often overlooked in terms of receiving funds and support.
“From our principal to our superintendent … it’s been girl power and team support, so it’s nice to finally get the recognition that we are deserving of,” said Stokes. Purcell and Hasan are looking to pursue careers in business and real estate and say they will continue to support the program.
Commissioner Rosa and Chancellor Young will serve as executive leaders for the statewide initiative.
In response to President Trump’s crackdown against programs supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), Rosa told the Amsterdam News that she is looking to protect this “movement,” no matter what happens at the federal level.
“This is about creating, you know, equity, opportunity and access,” Rosa said.
“We’re going to continue the movement of supporting our students, to build these kinds of communities, to help each other, to support each other. That is our mission. We’re not going to get distracted by the noise here and the noise there, but rather to stay connected.”
Rosa is encouraged by the level of support from State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie who have both been instrumental in pushing the initiative forward. Rose believes the state will continue to provide support financially.
However, Rosa is also hopeful that resources for students in need of additional support such as disabilities and English language learners are not impacted with regard to funds from the federal government for New York students.
MSK programs will also provide STEM activities and opportunities to deepen their interest in the field.
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