Fort Wayne launches initiative aimed at improving lives

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Fort Wayne has announced an initiative aimed at improving the lives of those that live in the city, particularly black men and boys.

Mayor Tom Henry said in announcing the Fort Wayne United plan on Wednesday that it's an opportunity to come together and trust one another. The initiative melds two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother's Keeper, into one program and seeks to make a difference through an emphasis on listening, input and engagement.

The initiative includes public safety academy training in partnership with the Fort Wayne Police Department in which black males will be exposed to real-life scenarios that allow them to experience training, experiences, and challenges that local law enforcement faces every day.

It also includes a late-night basketball program and a program on choosing success.