Three Months of Sunshine- The End of Summer Newsletter
Dear Bro Community,
As summer winds down, we’re excited to share all that the Foundation has been up to. From rejuvenating retreats in the mountains and heartfelt Little BRO poetry readings, to the launch of our new wellness website and receiving meaningful accolades, this season has been nothing short of transformative. Amid
the uncertainty and challenges facing the world, it’s important to pause, reflect, and recognize the progress being made by, and for, the people who matter most in our lives. So let’s take a moment to celebrate the memories we’ve created and the strides we’ve taken together this summer.
Celebrating Our Incredible Team
This year has been one of tremendous growth, and at the heart of that growth is our team. We’ve welcomed a group of talented and caring individuals who have stepped into our mission with passion and dedication.
Trent Orange, Anecia Henry, Williams Gurrier, DeShawn Willis, Amna Bokhari, and Vanessa Clark have been the driving force behind our programs—facilitating, mentoring, and walking alongside young men every step of the way.
Nejheri Sherwood and Jacquelle Smith have guided Operations with precision and care, ensuring that all the moving parts come together seamlessly.
In Communications, Jack Polefko has kept our team and community connected and informed, while in Engagement, Demetrius Similien and Parsley Georges have been the welcoming faces of BRO, building relationships across Brooklyn at events and tabling opportunities.
And of course, Brian Equinda—the backbone of our operations—has worked tirelessly to keep everything grounded, steady, and thriving.
Each of them has played a vital role in helping our mission flourish. Because of this extraordinary team, more young men are finding spaces where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
The David Prize and Brooklyn ORG 25 Honoree
The David Prize
In case you missed it, our Founder and Executive Director, Barry Cooper, has been nominated as a 2025 David Prize Recipient! This prestigious honor comes with $200,000 in unrestricted funding to support Barry’s vision of creating a brighter future for NYC.
Brooklyn ORG 25
But that’s not all, Barry has also been named one of the Brooklyn ORG 25, a distinction celebrating leaders who are deeply rooted in strengthening our Brooklyn communities. This honor comes from our wonderful partner, Brooklyn ORG, and Barry will be recognized at the upcoming Changemakers Ball.
Take a moment to learn more in the links and join us in congratulating Barry on these well-deserved achievements!
Launch of Be Well Bro
The B.R.O. Experience has long been a champion for young men of color in NYC, offering a safe third space outside of school and home where they can truly be themselves. But we know our mission extends beyond city borders. That’s
why we launched Be Well Bro, a digital third space designed for men of color everywhere to access resources, wellness tools, and community tailored to their lived experiences. This is just the beginning of our global commitment. Explore
mental health tips, articles, and support at BeWellBro.org.
Little BRO Summer Camp
This summer, Little BRO Camp was full of adventure! From field trips to the Museum of Science, Splish Splash, and Area 52, our campers had an unforgettable season.
But what we’re most proud of is their growth in self-expression. Through poetry, our Little Bros explored their feelings and perspectives, reading timeless works while also writing and performing their own. At the end of the season, they bravely shared their original pieces with peers and families. This was a powerful moment where they were able to strengthen their voices.
While summer is over, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for Little BRO Saturdays!
The BRO Project + Retreats
Our latest BRO Project cohorts have flourished in ways we could only imagine. Most recently, one group enjoyed a wellness retreat in the Catskills, where they reconnected with nature, bonded with one another, and returned revitalized.
The transformation was inspiring, and we can’t wait to bring our next cohort up to the mountains soon!
Men-To-Health Festival
Though technically in spring, we can’t leave out the Men-To-Health Festival we hosted in May. The day featured vibrant performances by Asase Yaa, meditative sessions with Noir Yoga, and moving remarks from Assemblywoman Stefani L. Zinerman.
It was powerful to see our community come together in support of men’s mental health; a reminder that when we care for our men, they’re better able to care for us. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
Liberty Game Honoring
As if the David Prize and Brooklyn ORG 25 weren’t enough, Barry and the BRO Experience were also honored at a New York Liberty game at Barclays Center by the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation. Being recognized on that stage, in front of our community, was an unforgettable moment and a powerful reminder of how far our movement has come.
Community Engagement
This summer, we’ve been everywhere in Brooklyn, showcasing both the BRO Experience and Be Well Bro at community events. Most recently, you may have seen us at Angela Yee Day at Barclays!
We love meeting new faces at our tables, so check our newsletters for updates on where we’ll be next and stop by to say hello!
Thank You to Our Partners
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and partners. Special thanks to Brooklyn ORG, Spark Youth, Pinkerton Foundation, the David Prize, van Ameringen, Social Justice Fund, and so many others who help turn our vision into reality.
And of course, thank you, our readers, supporters, and champions, for believing in our mission. In these unpredictable times, it’s partnerships like these that light the path toward a brighter future.
Extraordinary Men Awards 2026
Up next is one of our favorite times of the year: The Extraordinary Men Awards. This celebration honors the remarkable men in our community who are shaping a better tomorrow. This year, we’ll recognize [Jeff Lindor, Gregg Bishop, Tameek Floyd, and Dr. Dennis B. McKesey for being an inspiration to young men throughout Brooklyn,
But this night is about more than awards; it’s also about celebrating every man who has taken on the challenge of prioritizing his mental health, often against the odds.
If this mission inspires you, we invite you to become a sponsor. Your generosity ensures this event thrives and helps us start the new year with momentum. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities through the link below. And if you’d like to support in other ways, please reach out. Every contribution makes a difference.
Expand the Experience
Feeling inspired? We are too. As we look toward 2026, we’re dreaming bigger than ever. We envision reaching more young men than ever before, extending our impact beyond New York to communities across the country, and continuing to grow our digital spaces so that young men of color everywhere can find the support and community they deserve.
But none of this can happen without you. When you donate, you’re not just giving—you’re investing in futures. You’re helping a young man break free from cycles of silence, showing him that his life matters, and reminding him he is not alone. Together, we can shift the narrative and create lasting change.
Show Your Support
To everyone who has donated, volunteered, or supported us—thank you. Uplifting young Black and Brown men uplifts entire families, communities, and futures. The results are undeniable: happier, healthier, more communicative men who bring that energy into every space they enter.
This work is urgent. It’s not an exaggeration to say it's a matter of changing and saving lives. With all of the strides and experiences we made this summer, we look to the future to continue a new generational cycle— one where everyone can be well.
With gratitude and love,
The B.R.O. Experience Foundation
