I have been a board member of BroSis since its beginning, and I am also the mother of Khary Lazarre-White, co-founder and executive director. I could not be more proud of my son, his co-workers and staff, and also of the members, alumni and current, for the inspiring work they do. They are serving not only their community, but the city, and the nation as a whole by articulating a system of values, a way of thinking about individual responsibility and community cooperation. They have created a brilliant curriculum that teaches national and global history, the power of literature and art to affect knowledge and the human spirit, to, in the words of the poet Sekou Sundiata, "stiffen our spines." They demand of youth that they become critical thinkers, questioning assumptions given to them by previous generations, yet respecting previous thinkers by studying their works. I am proud of the stand taken against racism in all its forms, and against sexism and misogyny. They deserve the highest rating.
I have known of this almost from its inception. However, 7 years ago, I started the annual Women's Holiday Tea as a fundraiser because I thought it was important to support this organization that has dedicated leadership and staff who work tirelessly to nuture changes in the lives of the youth who are fortunate to cross their paths. Their statistics show their successes and milestones they have reached, but meeting and talking with the young women and men is even more compelling. They openly share how Bro/Sis is "home" for them and how Bro/Sis has greatly impacted their lives. I appreciate the fact that Bro/Sis provides opportunities for the young women and men to discuss and think critically about social justice issues and to encourage them to be independent-thinking, educated, worldly and caring people. I joined the Board about 2 years ago and I am committed to expanding its network of supporters and doing whatever I can to support this organization. The young men and women of color deserve our support.
I have been on the Board for more than 15 years. I joined because I have known Khary Lazarre White from before he was born, and when I wanted to be of service to the Harlem community, I asked him if he needed more Board members, and he said yes. knew that his organization would be outstanding because he is impeccable in his commitment to young people, to the Harlem community, to providing the best quality of education, and to linking service with advocacy. Each year I am more impressed by the depth of the relationships that BroSis staff people develop with the young people, with their 24/7 availability, with their constant evaluation and re-evaluation of programs. I serve on the board with alumni of the program, and I see how confident they are and how connected they feel to Harlem and to BroSis and to the work they have developed.Brotherhood/SisterSol operates with integrity, honesty, commitment and love. There is not better organization!
I've witnessed Bro/Sis inspire and change the lives of hundreds of young men and women of color. The hardworking and dedicated staff always places the young people center of all they do; supporting and guiding them with love, respect, knowledge and encouragement. The organization and its founders serve as a beacon of limitless possibility amiss an often bleak and marginalized community. Thank you Bro/Sis for all that you do; for raising the bar of youth development work, and our next generation of leaders!
I first got involved with Bro/Sis when I met one of the founders at an Alumni Recognition Ceremony at Brown University. the co-founders were receiving an award given to young alumni who have devoted their lives to public service. I became a big supporter after meeting the co-founders and heard about the life changing work they were and are doing with youth in NYC. They are doing an incredible job and I am happy to support their life changing work.
I have been an enormous supporter of Bro-Sis since it's inception. I have been mentoring middle school students for over 20 years and it is my belief that Bro-Sis is unique and the best program I have ever seen. It offers the young people who participate a year-round community that supports a range of academic abilities and dreams. All of the young people who participate have the support and guidance of a group of gifted and committed adults who help each child realize his or her greatest potential. The curriculum and programs are geared to respond to the developmental milestones in the lives of each young member of this amazing community. The range of services Bro-Sis provides is extraordinary. Donna Cephas
I have recently joined the Brotherhood/SisterSol board after getting to know the organization over the last two years. BHSS is a dynamic and innovative community organization that provides mentoring, education, life-skills, transformative overseas travel with community engagement, environmental activism & learning, college prep and so much more! BHSS is making a difference in the lives of every young person who walks into the BHSS building. Co-founder, Khary Lazarre-Whlte, is both brilliant and inspirational and one of the most effective leaders in providing services and advocating for black and latino/a youth. Khary is recognized nationally for his work and knowledge in the field of education and all issues facing the youth of today. I have worked with many nonprofits/community organizations over the years and BrotherhoodSisterSol is one of the very best!!
The Brotherhood/Sister Sol is an amazing organization whose warmth can reach anyone coming in from the worlds dying ideals of thinking of ones self to survive. The daily embracing of togetherness inside is unmatched by another institution of education I know of. I've been an active members since 2004, also been grateful enough to travel to various countries, and speak in front of numerous crowds about issues facing a young challenges when becoming a man in under privilege neighborhood while seeking success.
I joined the Brotherhood/Sister Sol at the age of 16 as a member of the Liberation Program. Before that time, I had never heard of any youth organizations and would aimlessly spend my summers lounging around. As a teen the world seems to revolve around you and whatever ills you're going through. In becoming a part of this family, my eyes have been opened to the greater world. To the injustices that affect my brothers and sisters here in the United States and all over the world. This organization has helped me to realize that in helping others no matter how small can create a rippling effect resulting in greater change. I am proud to be not only an alum but apart of the family because in its essence, that is what this organization is about, family.
The Brotherhood/ Sister Sol is a gem in Harlem. The doors for this organization are always open and the welcome always warm. Being a part of Bro/Sis for almost 10 years has been vital to not only my growth and development, but that of numerous others who have either went through the programs, volunteered for events or worked within the organization. Bro/Sis provides bonds that never sever regardless of how little you come or how far long spaced your visits. Bro/Sis provides resources and support to anyone who knock on their doors, and the youth who have taken advantage of what Bro/Sis has to offer will sing its praises.
I have been on the board of the Friends group for over three years and each year the organization inspires me more with their dedication to the youth of the program and their committment to provide their members whatever they need to been successful.
The Brotherhood/ Sister Sol (Bro/Sis) is a youth organization unparalleled. I have had the opportunity to be a member since 2004. From then until now, a number of months into my graduate program, there are few people I count on that are not in some way affiliated with this organization--these fine few being blood relatives. They have not only nurtured my mind as a budding scholar but have also taught me the importance of building a foundational family with whose spirit and energy I cannot imagine living without. As an organizer, as a young person, as a Black woman, and as a student, as many of the identities that I claim in my day-to-day living, I know in fact that I would not be who I am today having not joined eight years ago. There are many things that the people in this organization do that goes without saying and often because we members don't often speak openly about the times in which we have struggled the most, few do-- but these are the times through which we have come out of often because of the unspoken and endless work of the staff at Bro/Sis. Suffice it to say that if I were in legal, emotional, physical danger or otherwise one of the first people with whom I would speak would always be one of the staff members at Bro/Sis who know most about me. As the nickname suggests, they comprise my family of brothers and sisters--many here are also my aunts, uncles, best friends, and spirit-twins. In many ways, we are all a family. From the moment you step foot into this organization, as a member, you know that you will be fully supported in your own ceremonious, arduous, and deeply foundational uplift. There are few organizations that do all that this one does in its holistic, multi-dimensional aim that is profoundly grounded in a sincere love. To truly help, to help truly, this is something I can only aim to continue to work towards doing with my own life.
As a Board member of Brotherhood Sister Sol, I have learned first hand about their work with Black and Latino youth in Harlem. Their holistic, intelligent and loving guidance and encouragement of their members is life changing for each and every child. Furthermore, Khary Lazarre White, the Executive Director and Founder, along with the entire staff, are truly dedicated to the Bro Sis mission to support their members with unconditional love and support.
I am honored to serve as a Board Member. As a former grantmaker, Bro/Sis is one of the most effcetive organizations that i know working with young Black and Latino boys and girls
Bribed by pizza, I think this was the first life changing decision I ever mad in my whole life on my own and It turned out to be one of many great choices i ever mad. In fact, as I continue to get comfortable with bro/sis, it became a barrier for me, helping me make many good life changing decisions in my life . Bro/sis helped me transition from a teenager to a young women . My chapter leaders are like second moms, the scolding , and pushing helped me gain motivation and also when I needed a hand to hold or a shoulder to cry on , they made it possible . Ever since I became associated with bro/sis , going through high school became much more easier as I gained friends out of enemies , many emotions but most of all I gained a great sense of self, in which I apply everyday when I wake up. Bro/sis is a foot in the door to helping young people develop good self-esteem, caring and sisterhood. I'm very thankful for this opportunity . My sister, myself :)
I'm a former volunteer and client served by the Brotherhood-Sister Sol. I first joined at the age of 16. I was struggling in high school when I joined the Liberation Program. The program changed my life's trajectory. I came from a single parent home. There were not many examples of black and Latino men and women in leadership positions. The program showed me examples of people who looked like me and shared my history. Mentors from the organization helped me become the first in my family to graduate from college and later graduate school. I feel indebted to the organization in general, and Cidra, Jayson and Khary in particular, because more than a decade later they still provide different resources ranging from employment to one-on-one counseling. Some youth programs manage to give you something to do during the summer or after school, but few instill principles that help shape your life.
The Brotherhood/Sister Sol is an absolutely amazing organization that provides invaluable resources to young people. I have been privileged to see their work firsthand and I am truly in awe of the dedication and work that each staff member invests in the young people they serve. I can think of no better community organization to celebrate than Bro/SIs. Though I am no longer a staff member there, I must say that the almost 5 years I spent there did more to educate me about the issues facing urban youth than any class or experience ever could. I will forever be a supporter of this life-changing organization.
A friend introduced me to the Bro-Sis' work in 2006. From them on I wanted to know more. Once I knew more, I wanted to help move their mission forward. For two years I volunteered as a "Friend" of Bro-Sis. I had the opportunity to help plan fundraising events. This involved promoting, selling tickets, providing resources and gathering sponsors. It was an honor to serve an organization that does so much to help those who others tend to forget. Whenever someone asks me about a well done non-profit or a great youth organization I always mention Bro-Sis. I'm always looking for ways to help promote them in the community. Bro-Sis is a transforming organization that deserves global recognition for the lives they've helped and healed.
Many can open doors to teenager's space for recreational and activities that may or may not be engaging, but Bro/Sis focuses on more than just the space. They focus on the individual not only to experience the new teen friendly space but to open themselves to mind and spirit development of being a person who can strive for better, endure the bad and acknowledge the secret of Knowledge of self.