Over 200 young Black men from across the five boroughs gathered at Monroe College for the school’s annual My Brother’s Keeper event.

The event aims to uplift and encourage young Black men to make a difference in their local communities and the world.

Students were able to engage in educating conversations on topics ranging from financial literacy and future plans to the qualities of being a good man and taking care of their fellow men.

"To know that I have other brother's looking out for me and I'm looking out for them is a very special thing,” said Jayden Bier, a student at Bronx Vision Academy. “It's really nice to see us gather together and join as a community. We're here for each other, we're here to support each other, and it's really nice to know that we have other people looking out for us."

The organizers of the event say they hope the many kids in attendance walk away knowing one thing.

“You are important, you are beautiful, and you can do anything you put your mind to,” said Kareem Queeman of the Monroe admissions office.