An Essay by Majesty White, a Rites of Passage Student at Frederick Douglass Academy
Majesty is a student in our Rites of Passage high school program. He penned this essay for class reflecting on the program as well as an opportunity to meet the mayor.
The BRO Experience is a place where I learned a lot about myself. I hold it at a high value because it has helped me with so many personal things. Things like emotions and how to react to them. When I’m at The BRO Experience I feel challenged to be my best self. The BRO Space is very spacious with bright white walls like when you wash your white t-shirt with OxiClean and there’s a big circle formed by black metal chairs. One thing that I love about The BRO Experience is that it's always so peaceful, because we do something called Behind the Bars and in these sessions we listen to hip-hop and rap music that relates to our lives as young Black men.
At The BRO Experience I hear talks of self-encouragement, talks about life, and how to navigate through society as a young Black male. At the end of sessions the room is always filled with the smell of Popeyes chicken or Pizza Hut, sometimes even soul food. Sometimes when I'm at my house and decide to get some Popeyes or some soul food, the taste always reminds me of the ending of our sessions. My brothers at The BRO Experience make me feel strong and empowered. When I'm with my brothers I just feel challenged to be my best self. One out of my three favorite memories I have with The BRO Experience is when I met Mr. Barry and Mr. Trent for the first time. I remember hearing Mr Barry's passion to enlighten young minds. His passion seemed to light up the room like an early morning sunrise.
My second favorite memory I had with The BRO Experience was when Mr. Barry took us to a Broadway show called Death of a Salesman. I really enjoyed myself that day. One thing I really remember from that day was the actresses. They played their roles so well I sort of felt like I was watching a movie, like a really good one, the ones that give you a euphoric feeling and make you think deeply.
Last but not least, the best memory I have with The BRO Experience is when Mr. Barry took me to have brunch with the mayor. I remember walking in and seeing so many prominent black people and feeling a little nervous, but then at the same time I felt a little more comfortable seeing so many people who look like me. I remember hearing the mayor speak about the food choices in stores and how there are too many unhealthy choices to where we are sort of forced to eat unhealthy. After the mayor finished speaking it was time for Mr. Barry to get nominated. When it was Mr. Barry’s turn to go on stage for his nomination me and Mr. Trent went with him. I was so nervous on stage but as Mr. Barry began to speak I felt relieved because he began to talk about me and Mr. Trent in such a fine manner I couldn't even tell if I was nervous or not.