Fern Gillespie
In the heart of Brooklyn, a transformative force is shaping the lives of young Black and Brown men. Barry Cooper, affectionately known as “Coach Coop,” is not your conventional coach; rather, he serves as a life coach, dedicating his efforts to the socio-emotional development of youth in underserved neighborhoods. As the founder of The B.R.O. Experience Foundation in Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed Stuy), Cooper has made significant waves in his community. His impactful work has earned him the prestigious 2025 David Prize, which includes a $200,000 grant for individuals striving for a better New York City, as well as the 2026 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize, granting him $100,000 for trailblazing nonprofits in Brooklyn.
Cooper’s vision extends far beyond the recognition of awards; he is reinvesting these grants back into the B.R.O. Experience program, which boasts a dedicated staff of 19. A lifelong resident of Bed Stuy, he has woven a career as a “safe space” advocate for young men of color. His journey has been rich and varied—from opening a barbershop as a community gathering spot to taking on roles such as Dean and Director of Culture at Eagle Academy for Young Men, adjunct instructor at CUNY Fatherhood Academy, and vice-chair of the Brooklyn NAACP Educational Committee. All these threads led him to establish the B.R.O. Experience Foundation, shining a light on the myriad challenges faced by today’s youth.
Founded in 2020, the B.R.O. Experience Foundation operates out of a spacious 4,500 square foot center located at 7 Marcus Garvey Blvd. Since its inception, over 1,000 young Black and Brown men have engaged with the foundation, participating either on-site or through school partnerships. The organization empowers these young men to become transformative leaders through a variety of programs designed to cultivate resilience and confidence, addressing the pressing needs of their communities.
During a recent interview with Our Time Press, Cooper spoke passionately about his mission to inspire and support young men of color. When asked why he started the B.R.O. Experience, Cooper shared, “During the pandemic, I was trying to decide what my next step was going to be. I decided to start a nonprofit organization called the B.R.O. Experience.” He articulated a vision that goes beyond traditional support systems, offering not just a safe haven but also a place for emotional and social growth. “It’s a safe space where they can come and eat and play video games and get one-to-one support,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment that fosters development in ways unique to each individual.
The programs at the B.R.O. Experience are varied and cater to a broad spectrum of needs. Cooper elaborated: “We have the B.R.O. Space and Wellness Center at 7 Marcus Garvey in Bed Stuy. It’s home to a number of different programs like the B.R.O. Project, which supports young men aged 18 to 24 who are disconnected from education or employment.” This flagship program offers a 10-month rites of passage that employs cognitive and behavioral therapy to help participants unlock their full potential. Alongside this, they offer additional support through social workers who provide tailored assistance to individuals aiming to achieve personal goals.
Cooper also highlighted programs designed for younger boys, such as the Little Brother B.R.O. Experience, aimed at third to sixth graders. This initiative focuses on literacy and character development. By enhancing reading comprehension alongside emotional intelligence, Cooper and his team are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more connected future generation. Furthermore, Cooper’s innovative music therapy program, “Behind the Bars,” utilizes hip-hop lyrics to create safe, therapeutic spaces for high school students, directly addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.
One of the recent experiences Cooper found particularly impactful involved a retreat to the Catskills, where the participants were introduced to meditation for the first time. “They were very resistant to it until they got there,” he recalled. However, the transformation was mesmerizing. “To see them open up and fully engage with the meditation sessions in a way that they probably wouldn’t have done in the city was extraordinary.” This exposure therapy not only nurtured their self-awareness but also instilled a sense of empowerment as they recognized their potential to advocate for their communities.
When asked why focusing on the mental health of young Black men is crucial, Cooper responded candidly: “We are the very fabric of both the good and the bad of our community. Historically, when young men are struggling, the entire community feels that impact. It’s essential to provide support and cultivate positive identities among young Black men so that we can uplift our neighborhoods.” He underscored the importance of breaking down the preconceived notions surrounding young men of color, whose potential often goes unrecognized.
Cooper passionately conveyed, “Our organization is dedicated to mitigating the burdens that Black and Brown women have traditionally carried, particularly in fostering the next generation of men.” He eloquently pointed to how societal constructs often lead young men toward detrimental paths, emphasizing the need for constructive alternatives. “Creating safe spaces and engaging in meaningful work is vital for building a thriving community,” he concluded.
For more information about the transformative programs offered at the B.R.O. Experience, you can visit www.thebroexperience.org.
