Young leaders from MBK Alliance gain real-world experience at the Final Four

Meet the MBK Alliance youth attending the NCAA Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.

With his back to the camera, President Obama holds a basketball and speaks to a group of young men with a range of light to dark skin tones at the White House basketball court. All are dressed professionally.

A few young leaders from the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance earned an opportunity to attend the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. But before they took off, we sat down with some of them to hear their stories, aspirations, and the impact the MBK Alliance has had on their journeys.

These MBK Alliance youth aren’t heading to the Final Four just to spectate—they’re stepping into spaces that will shape their futures. From working behind the scenes in sports media to hands-on with top industry professionals, they are gaining valuable skills that will help them reach their maximum potential.

A young man with a dark skin tone holds a closed lip smile. He has locs and is wearing a white polo shirt. — Meet Justin Harris, a junior at Central Michigan University.

A young man with a dark skin tone holds a closed lip smile. He has a low hair cut and is wearing a blue letterman jacket. His hands are in his pockets. — Meet Rayshawn Blackman, a student at Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago.

What will you be doing at the Final Four? What are you most excited for?

Justin: I’ll be working as a camera operator, helping with the live broadcast of the games. I do this on campus for ESPN, but this is a whole new level. The Final Four is one of the biggest stages in college basketball, and getting to be behind the scenes is an incredible opportunity.

I’m most excited about seeing the players up close! I’m a big fan of Cooper Flagg, and I’m hoping to meet Shaq, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Smith. These are the moments where I get to learn from the best and see what it takes to work at this level.

Rayshawn: I’ll be working with the talent and relations team, learning how to interact with athletes, analysts, and media professionals. I’m excited to see how everything comes together behind the scenes.

I’m excited to see Hall of Famers and some of the world's top talent compete in a sport I played and love.

How has sports shaped your life?

Justin: I’ve always loved basketball, but working in sports media has given me a different perspective. I’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and the importance of preparation. Even though I’m not playing, I still get to be part of the game in a way that fuels my passion.

Rayshawn: Sports have shaped my life in a very positive way—I’ve traveled the world, experienced the thrill of winning, and learned discipline.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through sports?

Justin: I learned that consistency and hard work open doors. Every opportunity I’ve had—whether it was working at the Paris Olympics or now at the Final Four—came from staying ready and putting in the work beforehand.

Rayshawn: The biggest lessons I’ve learned is that hard work pays off, and being a good teammate is always important.

How has MBK Alliance and opportunities like this impacted your goals?

Justin: MBK has given me a voice and mentors who genuinely care about my success. It’s not just about career opportunities—it’s about becoming a leader for others. Growing up, I didn’t always have a strong father figure, but MBK connected me with mentors who have helped shape my path.

Rayshawn: MBK has impacted my life in ways I never imagined. Being surrounded by great people with great mindsets has helped me grow tremendously. The opportunities I've received—just being considered to be part of something great—are some of the best experiences I could ask for.

How do you plan to use what you learn at the Final Four in your future?

Justin: This experience is another step toward my dream job as an NBA camera operator. I’m gaining real-world experience at the highest level, making connections, and learning from professionals who do this every day.

Rayshawn: I plan to study psychology in college at North Carolina A&T University, and this will help me develop my communication and networking skills for the future.