"I always would have an issue with the way that young men were either seen or dealt with in their community, and then also how they were dealt with because they had a lot of apathy in schools. That just led me to start to create spaces for young men, not really realizing that I wanted to be a nonprofit leader, but I have seen the need to create space where young men can actually tap into that boyhood that is often buried."
"I just really wanted it to be a utopia and also a healing space for young, Black and Brown boys to specifically come to and feel seen, heard, and supported and not judged based on the mistakes that they made, giving them the ability to learn their brain and their emotions and how both things work simultaneously as they're navigating this new world for l"
Barry Cooper launched The B.R.O. Experience Foundation in 2020 to create a dedicated space for healing, emotional growth, and brotherhood for young Black and Brown boys in Brooklyn. The foundation responds to increased crime, isolation, and distrust among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooper brings experience as a dean and director of coaching at the Eagle Academy in Brownsville and work with the Department of Probation engaging Black and Brown youth. The organization emphasizes nonjudgmental support, emotional literacy, and opportunities for young men to reconnect with buried aspects of boyhood and learn how their brains and emotions interact.
Read at Brooklyn Paper
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