My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), Nashville, and Mayor Freddie O’Connell are announcing the formation of its Executive Leadership Table, a strategic coalition of community leaders dedicated to improving opportunities and outcomes for boys and young men of color in Nashville. This diverse group of leaders from education, government, business, and nonprofit sectors will work collaboratively to ensure that young men of color, particularly Black and Brown boys, have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

“My Brother’s Keeper, Nashville, provides the ecosystem around young men of color that they need to succeed and follow their passions,” said Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “This Leadership Table represents a powerful coalition of leaders who are ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our next generation of leaders.”

The newly formed Executive Leadership Table will play a crucial role in advancing MBK Nashville’s vision of becoming a Model MBK Community by 2028. The members of this distinguished group include:

• Lonnell Matthews, Juvenile Court Clerk, Davidson County Juvenile Court
• Ashford Hughes, Sr., executive officer of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Dr. Watechia Lawless-Mitchell, director, Children and Youth Initiatives, Metro Government of Nashville & Davidson County
• Tempest Utley, chief operating officer, Urban League of Middle Tenn.
• Dr. Robert Wallace, chief of staff; director of schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools
• Erika Burnett, vice president, Community Development, Community Foundation
• Tracey Dill, senior director, Regional Community Impact, United Way of Middle Tenn.
• Christiane Buggs, chief executive officer, PENCIL Foundation
• Colleen Gilligan, director of Strategic Initiatives, Nashville Public Education Foundation
• Ryan Parker, executive director, Nashville State Community College Foundation, Nashville State Community College
• Asst. Chief Dwayne Greene, assistant chief of police, Metro Nashville Police Department
• Daryl Curry, vice president, Education and Talent Development, Nashville Chamber of Commerce
• The MBK Nashville Executive Leadership Table is committed to:
• Collaboration: Aligning organizational goals with MBK’s milestones to support the growth and development of young men of color.
• Resource allocation: Mobilizing resources to provide education, mentorship, and career opportunities.
• Advocacy: Promoting policies that address systemic barriers and create equitable opportunities.
• Monitoring progress: Establishing benchmarks to track initiatives improving outcomes for boys and young men of color.
• Community engagement: Ensuring that young men of color and their families are included in decision-making processes.
• Building awareness: Raising public awareness about the challenges and needs of boys and young men of color.

The Executive Leadership Table members are convened by Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the MBK Backbone Committee. They can serve up to two, two-year terms and will meet three times a year, in February, August, and December.