Coach Coop highlighted in The New York Amsterdam News
The New York Amsterdam News recently profiled Barry Cooper in its Black New Yorkers series. The publication, which is one of the oldest Black-centric newspapers in the country, traces how Barry got inspired in his days running a barbershop and cutting hair:
Cooper grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, and continues to live in the district. He began his career as a mental health advocate when he was a barber at 18 years old. “Seeing all different ages of men, I always wondered where were the safe spaces outside of sports and the barbershop that men can go to,” said Cooper.
This inspiration led to the career dedicated to supporting young black men and finally founding The B.R.O. Experience and The BRO Space.
“Just a small speck of support consistently can give a young man the stability that he needs to grow in life,” Cooper said.