Brown founded the nonprofit Amer-I-Can program 20 years ago in Los Angeles to curb gang violence and today it operates successfully sculpting productive citizens at schools and correctional facilities in 14 states across the country.
“Amer-I-Can is a simple program. It deals with self-esteem,” Brown said at a news conference in Detroit. “We have our work cut out for us to realize Dr. King’s vision and we will do that through this program.”
Amer-I-Can facilitators will get to work in Wayne County next month with programs opening at Hancock Preparatory School in Detroit and the William B. Dickerson Correctional Facility for Women in Hamtramck.
Brown said he was thankful for the Kellogg Foundation’s generosity and vision.
“Do not thank us. We exist to support programs like yours,” said Gail Christopher, vice president of programs for the Kellogg foundation. “I hope this mushrooms into a movement.”
Wayne County Sheriff Bennie Napoleon showed vibrant enthusiasm for the program after meeting with the Amer-I-Can team the previous day.
“I was moved. [Brown] will not find anyone committed as I am,” Napoleon said in a brief speech. Napoleon vowed to make the Detroit effort the “best program in the country.”
Metro Detroit native Walter Beach, CEO of Amer-I-Can in New York, and his wife, Gail, will lead the program’s Detroit operation.
“I am under them in this endeavor,” Brown said, referring to Mr. and Mrs. Beach.
Motown sensation and former Detroit City Councilwoman Martha Reeves attended the conference and volunteered to perform monthly for Amer-I-Can participants. 
A number of public officials attended the news conference, including Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Wayne County Chief of Jails Jeriel Heard, and Detroit City Councilwoman Jo-Ann Watson.
–minehaha forman
