A Year of Growth - The Spring Newsletter
Dear community,
Winter has come to an end, which means that Spring has come to bring new opportunities to grow in 2025!
We stayed busy in 2024 and we are committed to keeping that growth throughout this new season. This year, we want our community to Hug the BRO Space. Hugging the space can be done in many ways, such as attending events, sharing posts on social media, and letting people who might benefit know about our work. But the biggest way that you can make an impact is by becoming a 100 Strong recurring donor. Our plan is to expand what the BRO Experience can be by focusing on creating a space and providing resources for young men of color to grow up to be happy, healthy, and successful.
Take a look for yourself at this short video introducing the core ideas of our space.
Programs, Programs, Programs!
If you know the BRO Experience, then you know that we love programs and events. And 2025 is no different.
In February, we kicked off our new fatherhood program, Daddy and Me. We started off this year strong with a full cohort of fathers looking to learn new ways to be happier and healthier providers for their children and families.
We premiered the first episode of the documentary Behind the Bars created by our talented content producer, Wav. This documentary gives an inside look on how powerful the Behind the Bars sessions can be. Check it out for yourself below.
And most recently, we held an invigorating discussion at our Conversations and Community panel, where our Program Coordinator, Anecia Henry, hosted a conversation with Barry Cooper, Jason Acosta, and Shahem McLaurin about new ways in imagining success.
Upcoming Events
We’ve done so much, but there’s still more to come!
On March 28th, we have our Reel to Reals screening of The Six Triple Eight. Come watch this inspiring movie with us and enjoy an engaging and thought-provoking conversation after the screening. RSVP
And on March 31st, we have our Excel and Be Well Bro Event, where you can come by for professional development. Join us for a powerful forum where we’ll discuss "The Black Man’s Plan"—an initiative focused on mental wellness, achievement, and community empowerment. Inspired by Council Member Riley’s bill, we’re advocating for real change and resources to uplift black men. RSVP
We have even more planned in April and May, so be sure to keep an eye out on our website and socials for more information!
Staff Spotlight
Just in time for Spring, we have two new facilitators blooming on our team; Demetrius S and Anthony Brown. Demetrius and Anthony have jumped right in to continue one of our most engaging programs, Behind the Bars. Through facilitated workshops, group discussion, text analysis, journaling, and poetry, participants explore themes including mental health, violence, gender norms, societal inequity, peer pressure, and financial literacy in a mindful, mediated format.
Community Impact Story
One of the biggest things that the BRO Experience works on with young men is showing them that the things they believe to be impossible are possible. Our Program Outreach Coordinator, Darnell Bowers, did just that by taking a group of our young men to get their Leaner’s Permits.
When a person is shown that they are able to do something they thought impossible, it increases their self-confidence and faith in themselves to achieve the things they want in life. This couldn’t be highlighted more than when one of our participants spent the days leading up to the test certain that he wasn’t going to pass. But with support and encouragement from Darnell, that young man rose to the occasion to earn his permit.
It’s wins like these that allow our participants to see that they are capable of creating a future that they can decide for themselves.
Celebrating our Funders
We want to continue to show our gratitude to all of those that make our work possible. Thank you to The Pinkerton Foundation, Brooklyn.org, van Ameringen Foundation, MetLife Foundation, SparkYouth NYC, and the Communities of Color Nonprofit Stabilization Fund via the NY City Council and Urban League.
We also want to thank all of our recurring donors, as well as our one-time donors for giving when they can. Our community is the backbone of what we do.
Hug the BRO Space
Hugging the BRO Space isn’t only about supporting young men of color, it’s about uplifting the community. Your support shows proof to our young men that their community cares about them. When young men are healthy, happy, and vulnerable, we all benefit. Your donation doesn’t just contribute to the betterment of their lives, but the contributions that those men will be able to give back to their communities. Join the family in linking arms around the spaces that matter most.
Stay Strong and Stay in Touch
Thank you for following our work and believing in us. Make sure to stay connected with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and subscribe to our mailing list at the bottom of this page.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Much love to all,
Barry, August, and the whole B.R.O. team
