Pilate Bradley, a Honda associate who serves as Associate Relations Group leader for the Anna Engine Plant (AEP) and the Ohio Transmission Plant (TMP-O), was honored March 5 by My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Ohio, for his work in the Lima, Ohio, community.

MBK Ohio is a statewide coalition of advocates and communities dedicated to improving outcomes for boys and young men of color and creating opportunities for all youth.

Bradley serves as a mentor through the MBK after-school program, where participants enjoy activities and support from role models such as Bradley.

“We recognized that there are so many single parent homes in this community, that we needed to find a way to fill the gap,” said Bradley. “We work with the young men here, so they have positive examples of how to be a man.”

Program facilitator Dr. Andrea Guice said Bradley is considered a pillar of the community in his hometown and is one of the first people she calls when she needs a hand.

“He’s just instrumental and the kids look up to him,” said Guice. “No matter what we call him to do, he shows up. He does all of this with a smile on his face. We want him to know that he’s appreciated.”

The My Brother’s Keeper initiative was launched in 2014 by President Barack Obama to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color to ensure all youth reach their full potential. MBK Ohio was launched in October 2018 to serve as a support system for Ohio’s 11 MBK communities.

Bradley said: “We’ve definitely seen some success through this program. There were a few young people who have improved their grades and we’ve seen a couple kids step out of their comfort zone. It’s good for them to be part of something.”

Bradley appreciates the recognition but was a little taken aback by it. “I’m just a worker and I’m here for the kids,” he said. “It’s nice to receive the recognition, but the most important part to me is that people see there are good things happening in our community.”