Ferguson. Staten Island. Baltimore. Charleston. Cleveland. These cities have become emblematic of the deep divides that still exist in this country, reigniting a national conversation about race and racism in the United States. President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper in response to this unrest to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. In this podcast, Michael Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Cabinet Affairs for My Brother’s Keeper, discusses the initiative’s progress and sense of urgency as the President’s second term ends. Our conversation reveals Michael’s deeply personal connection to this work and his suggestions to funders for more effective philanthropy.