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Cities United

Cities United is a national movement focused on eliminating the violence in American cities related to African American men and boys.

Group of youth and teens posing for a photo on a basketball court

Cities United is a national network of mayors who are committed to developing and implementing plans working in partnership with community leaders, families, youth, philanthropy, government officials and other stakeholders to reduce the epidemic of murders among African American men and boys.

The organization is a collective of more than 80 mayors, including our own Mayor Jeffrey Lunde, who are on a mission to stop the unprecedented and devastating loss of lives in cities throughout America. They are committed to ensuring that hope is restored to their communities and providing pathways to justice, employment, education and increased opportunities for residents.

View the Comprehensive Public Safety Plan >

Cities United Cohort Project

The program serves boys/young men of color ages 13-18+ who have experienced adversity, including school based challenges, light
involvement in the criminal justice system and living in highly mobile
families. The program supports youth in building and practicing social
and emotional skills that will lead to improved critical thinking, the
development of relationships with caring adult mentors, and improve
avoidance of risk taking behavior.

To become involved, attend events and learn more about the CUCP, please email antonio.smith@brooklynpark.org. 

Interns

Community Liaison Antonio Smith leads six interns throughout the year. These interns work towards accomplishing My Brother’s Keeper and Cities United goals to decrease violence and improve the success rate for young people.

Join Cities United

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National goal

Reduce homicides by 50% by the year 2025, in each of the participating cities.

Brooklyn Park goals

Our multi-sector approach illustrates the vision to revitalize hope, health and safety as the focal point to improve outcomes; emphasizes our five goal areas; and outlines key bodies of work necessary to increase the likelihood of successfully accomplishing the mission.

The five goals were developed after months of planning with the steering committee, hosting youth conversations, as well as reviewing crime and root causal data.

  • Goal 1: Increase access to educational opportunities
  • Goal 2: Create pathways to employment opportunities
  • Goal 3: Improve physical and mental health
  • Goal 4: Strengthen community and family connections
  • Goal 5: Reduce offender and victim violence

My Brother’s Keeper

My Brother’s Keeper is an organization that helps young men and boys of color stay on track by providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. This program wants to eliminate disparities in outcomes for boys and young men of color. They have goals and milestones that they are looking forward to meeting.

MBK Framework goal

My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) has recently launched a MBK Framework to Affect Systems Change Pilot. Brooklyn Park is one of 23 cities participating in this pilot.

Strengthen MBK Communities and promote what works! The MBK Framework develops a national standard of excellence outlining the set of elements of success, indicators and processes to accelerate progress on complex social conditions for boys and young men of color.

Volunteers wanted

As part of a local effort, the Mayor and city staff are looking for volunteers to participate in helping the cause. You are an ideal candidate if you want to:

  • Be part of a city-wide work group to improve outcomes
  • Help implement strategies that lead to reduce violence amongst African-American men and boys
  • Just want to stay informed of our progress

Phone and email

Antonio Smith
763-493-8154
Email Antonio Smith