Spring Updates: BRO X at the State Capital, Our New Computer Lab, Little BRO Saturdays, Funding from the Urban League, and More!
Dear Brooklyn and beyond,
It's been a few busy months since we checked in – we’ve been super focused on the moving parts of this growing organization and there’s lots to say. Below is an update on the latest programs and progress. Thank you for tuning in. Please reach out to us with reflections, reactions, or if you want to get more involved. You can always reach us directly here.
Rites of Passage at the Black Caucus
First up, we brought the Rites of Passage high school cohort (more than 30 guys) to Albany for the gathering of the 53rd Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. Not only were they able to participate in workshops, panel discussions, and networking events focused on civic issues impacting minority communities, they pwerfully delivered the B.R.O. mantra for the auditorium.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez joining for the Project Restore Bed Stuy graduation ceremony
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Project Restore Bed Stuy team under Dr. UniQue Starks, along with the Bridge Street Development Corporation, Columbia University, and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.
We facilitated cognitive behavioral group therapy workshops with several young men in the PRB cohort, and the work culminated on December 31st when we had the privilege of hosting a graduation ceremony at our BRO Space.
A special acknowledgment goes to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who not only supported the work but also graced the ceremony with his presence. His commitment to the cause exemplifies the power of community engagement and shared responsibility.
About the program, Barry Cooper wrote:
“As the leader of an organization, I take pride in cultivating a creative space where diverse stakeholders can truly shine. At The B.R.O. Experience Foundation our guiding concept is that community care should be at the forefront of all social development endeavors. We stand against the prevailing notions that often emphasize juvenile justice and reactive measures, focusing instead on fostering genuine community development and caring for one another as human beings within the spaces we call home.
There is a profound truth in the idea that our ability to grow as a community is most evident when we come together, share, celebrate, and break bread as one.”
Announcing The B.R.O. Experience Computer Lab
Stefani Zinerman, State Assemblywoman for Brooklyn’s 56th district, presides over the ribbon cutting of our new computer lab
On Martin Luther King Day we unveiled an exciting new addition to The BRO Space. Thank you to David Jones from the NYC Computer Lab Initiative and Spectrum who generously donated 16 laptops and computer furniture.
Standing alongside us in the celebration was Stefani Zinerman, the State Assemblywoman of the 56th district, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. Together, we inaugurated a space that embodies the values of education, empowerment, and community.
We’re very proud to be among this year’s grantees of the Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund. This $35,000 capacity-building grant is designed to help community-based organizations solidify their foundational operations and grow impact. With it we will increase the capacity of internal staff as well as allow us to bring in some outstanding individuals to work on grant-writing and funding-focused media and public relations.
(Read more here)
So Much Programming
Little BRO Saturdays in full effect
As the org grows, so do our programs. This year we’re doing more than ever, including: The new BRO Project, BRO X Rites of Passage, Little BRO Saturdays, Behind the Bars with District 16 Middle Schools, and we’re looking ahead toward an expanded Little BRO Summer Camp with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
We’re exceedingly proud to have hired a number of young men from Rites of Passage to support in a number of programs with younger youth (representing the ultimate virtuous cycle).
Our small army of Master’s degree interns from the Hunter and Fordham schools of social work continue to work directly with our young men and support program facilitation. We’re so thankful for them and their hard work.
We also want to welcome Shante Jack, Mack Graham, Deon Edwards, and Corey Lacey into the mix as they help build in critical areas.
Thank You!
Thank you for reading about the work and celebrating with us. Please see below for opportunities to engage and support. We can’t do this without you.
With love,
– Barry Cooper and the whole BRO team
Help Us Stay Strong
Community donors like you are a cornerstone of our sustainability. If you haven’t made a contribution this year, please take a moment to share your generosity. Make a real impact on the health of our city today.
Fact of the Month
In the U.S.…
only 1.3% of public school teachers are Black men.
But for low-income Black boys, having at least one Black teacher in elementary school reduces the probability of dropping out by up to 39%.