annual report 2008-2009 - The Brotherhood/Sister Sol

ANNUAL REPORT
2008-2009
The Brotherhood/Sister Sol is not simply an organization; more accurately, it is a way of life. We provide Black
and Latino youth with opportunities to explore thier ideas, identify and future among peers, with the support,
guidance and love of thier immediate elders. Our programs and activities provide young people with the
knowledge and skills necessary to understand and overcome the negative pressures of poverty, racism, drugs
and violence.
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CONTENTS
FROM OUR DIRECTORS CIRCLE
From Our Board Chair
2
From Our Directors Circle
2
Program Summaries
3
Member Stats
7
Staff
7
Highlights & Achievements
8
Friends of The Brotherhood/Siter Sol
12
Mentors
12
Key Consultants
12
Board of Directors
13
Our Supporters
Financials
14
14
FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear Friends and Supporters:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Brotherhood/Sister
Sol, I wanted to thank you once again for your continued support.
In these pages, you will find valuable information about our
rewarding work.
Throughout the organization, we accomplished some amazing
things and achieved new milestones. We hosted our 5th—and
probably most memorable—annual “Voices” fundraiser with
George C. Wolfe, Susan Taylor and Tracee Ellis Ross. We also
launched what will become a signature summer event, “Harlem
Comes to the Vineyard”. These were critical opportunities to
showcase the work we do and to thank our friends and supporters
like you.
In the last year, we have also added new Board Members who
are either established experts in their fields and practices or
rising stars in their respective industries. We welcome them and
look forward to introducing some new friends to our important
work.
After you’ve read more about what we’ve accomplished this past
year, please accept this invitation to support us with contributions
of every kind. We have much work to do and more exciting
plans for this coming year. We cannot do this
work without you!
Best,
Paul E. Butler
Chair, Board of Directors
With the tenth anniversary of Sister Sol, the Liberation Program
hosting its tenth summer training, and Bro/Sis approaching
fifteen years of providing holistic and comprehensive programs,
this year marks a coming of age. We have grown to serve
250 young people and were featured for our award winning
youth programming on NBC Nightly News and Good Morning
America. As a tactical approach to dealing with the national
economic crisis, our Board of Directors has expanded to include
more educators and executives with expertise in fundraising,
marketing, educational research and reform, and non-profit
management. Our coming of age has been highlighted in media
and the growth of our leadership; it has also been marked by
the evolution of our members and programs.
Our youngest members took inspiration from the Barkley
Hendricks art exhibit at the Studio Museum of Harlem to create
their own images of “cool”. Our teens and alumni turned cool
into action, registering themselves and others to vote in one of
this country’s most historic presidential elections. Our teens were
forever changed during our summer programming - those who
fished for piranhas in the Amazon, explored ancestral quilombos
and learned about the complexity of poverty and wealth
from the favelas and big city of Rio during our International
Study Program in Brazil; those who developed job skills while
reconstructing a gazebo with solar panel, planting and harvesting
in the Frank White Community Garden; and those who shared
data from their organizing campaigns and knowledge about
Pan African and Latina/o freedom fighters during the annual
West 143 Street block party.
This year also marks the publication of our second curriculum Why Did This Happen? Content, Perspective, Dialogue: A Workshop
Model for Developing Young People’s Writing. Featuring excerpts
from our members’ reflective writing, the curriculum details how
we nurture our members’ ability to think, dialogue and write
critically. We participated in the Black Men and Boys Initiative, cohosted with the Education for Liberation Network and presented
at the second annual Free Minds Free People conference for
educators, youth and activists in Houston, TX, and shared our
leadership model and strategies for sustainability at the World
Social Forum in Belem, Brazil. We opened our brownstone to
high school and graduate students, educators and community
organizers from New York City and around the country to share
our curricula and build on our synergy for social justice education
and community development.
Bro/Sis is coming of age in a world whose only constant is change.
Increased street violence, the economic crisis and unemployment,
struggling schools, and housing disproportionately impact our
members and families and yet the lives of our members’ continue
to be enriched by our relentless support, extensive resources and
love. As one of our members shared about coming of age at Bro/
Sis, “I love Bro/Sis because they told me it was ok to be me…
and I believed them”. Our coming of age brings the awareness
that we possess the ability to become the leaders needed today
to transform ourselves and the world.
Khary Lazarre-White
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Dr. Susan Wilcox
Co-Executive Director (through
July 2009)
Wendy M. DeJesus
Associate Director
Cidra M. Sebastien
Associate Director
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PROGRAM SUMMARIES
See pages 8-12 for a calendar of our highlights & achievements.
Rites of Passage Program
The Rites of Passage Program (ROP) is our core program. During
a four to six year process, our members learn to think critically
about themselves and their place within their communities using
our 10 Curriculum Focus Issues. Established in partnership with
public secondary schools and in our community, we create
single sex chapters of 10-20 youth and two Chapter Leaders
who create a collective Mission Statement, Definitions of Man/
Woman, Brother/Sister and Leader, and a Chapter Name. Their
words become the tenets by which they strive to live. A few years
into the program, members develop an individual statement
articulating their personal beliefs, values, commitments, and
aspirations.
funds covered such needs as clothes and food, travel support (to
get to and from jobs and college), medical needs, assisting with
rent needs, purchasing glasses and in other areas, as needed.
BHSS also provided a total of $25,000 in “College Support” to
our alumni members. Due to the economic crisis many colleges
and universities saw a great decline in their endowments, and
in turn in the financial aid packages they were able to provide
their students. Their advice to students in need was to seek
private loans from banks to cover the shortfall reflected in their
packages. With the lack of liquidity in the markets, the standards
of who could secure loans were raised. Our members would not
qualify on their own merits; and most had no “co-signer” at home
to help secure the loan due to unemployment or poor credit. Our
support ensured that 10 members remained in college, while
also providing computers, and money for books and supplies.
BHSS also provided active and alumni members with legal
representation regarding such issues as landlord/tenant law,
criminal law and immigration issues. These legal funds totaled
This year we worked with a total of 95
teenagers through ROP. Our Brotherhood
“This has been my first Brotherhood retreat and already I feel
chapters were United Warriors (9th & 10th
as if everyone here is my brother. All of the alumni here have
grade teens from the community surrounding
taught
me valuable lessons on how to show respect, be a brother,
BHSS), Strive 2 Thrive: The Cipher (9th
graders from Mott Hall High School, and a leader, a man and how to make the right choices in your life.
The Brotherhood at Thurgood Marshall Being here has allowed me to clear my mind and relax from all the
Academy (7th graders). Our Sister Sol craziness at home. Change starts with you. Joining the Brotherhood
chapters were Cherished Phoenix (12th
is the best choice I could have ever made in my life.”
graders from Central Park East High
-Brotherhood Member
School), Soul & L.I.F.E. (9th & 10th graders
from Mott Hall High School), Soul Apoyo
(8th & 9th graders from the community surrounding BHSS), and $10,000 (we work with pro-bono or reduced rate lawyers).
our new Sister Sol chapter at Community Health Academy of Finally, through partnerships with the Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health
the Heights (9th graders).
Center, the Young Men’s Health Clinic at New York Presbyterian
Hospital, and with several private psychologists, we were able
Over the course of the year our ROP members completed over 30 to assist with our members with obtaining a range of medical
educational workshops and sessions and, participated in three- services and mental health supports.
day long wilderness retreats (winter and spring for Brotherhood,
just spring for Sister Sol), interacted with guest speakers that The Brotherhood
ranged from candidates for United States Congress to writers The Brotherhood Winter Retreat took place in March in the
from Sports Illustrated, professors to district attorneys, from sexual Poconos, and the theme was “Stepping up.” Three quotes were
health workers to hip hop artists, from community organizers to used to frame the activities of the weekend, and workshops and
doctors, from prominent authors to a Rabbi and an international discussion questions were framed around them as well. One
peace activist. They also attended plays, visited museums and quote is on the back of the first Brotherhood t-shirt, received upon
engaged in enrichment and social outings. Workshops themes collective completion of definitions of man, leader, brother and
included: sexism and misogyny, relationships and dating, sexual mission statement: “A man has to act like a brother before you
health, college readiness and academic preparation, manhood
and masculinity.
Sister Sol and Brotherhood chapters also facilitated several
college tours during the year, visiting schools such as American
University, George Washington University, Howard University,
SUNY Purchase, Fordham University, New York University, and
Hunter College.
In 2008/2009 we provided 35 members and recent alumni
with jobs through which they learned essential job skills and
developed tools that will aid them in building more stable lives.
We employed members as community organizers, in green
jobs as community garden landscapers, and connected them to
outside jobs at Citi, with a film company, at a law firm, and
as youth workers. BHSS provided active and alumni members
with over $10,000 in “Emergency Support” over the year. These
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can call him a brother,” by Malcolm X. The second quote, is on the
back of the second Brotherhood t-shirt, received upon completion
of personal Oath of Dedication: “If you have the opportunity to
make this world a better place, and you don’t, you are wasting
your time on this earth,” by Roberto Clemente. The final quote,
by President Barack Obama, is “Change will not come if we wait
for some other person or some other time. We are the change
we seek.” The Brotherhood Spring Retreat took place in May at
Trout Lake Retreats in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The theme was
“Palante!, Siempre Palante!”, a Puerto Rican phrase meaning
“forward, always forward.” Through this mantra we were able
to emphasize the importance of struggling through adversity.
This retreat was the first time many of our young members have
left New York City to travel with fellow Black and Latino males
into a rural setting. The experience often leaves them with a
profound and lasting impression.
This year received a $250,000 grant from the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation after being a finalist in their international
competition, co-sponsored with Ashoka, for programs responding
to the realities faced by vulnerable male populations. Over 350
groups from across the world applied via this process. We were
one of 12 finalists selected and were invited to a two day, best
practices, conference at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
After this conference there was a further vetting process of the
12 finalists and five organizations, from around the world, were
invited to apply for a grant from Robert Wood Johnson. BHSS
was one of five who received such a grant. It supported our work
with young men and recent male alumni, across programming.
Sister Sol
This year Sister Sol celebrated its 10-year anniversary. A series
of special activities throughout the year celebrated Sister Sol’s
growth and brought our alumnae and younger members together
to reflect on the past 10 years and look forward to the future.
Our annual Sisters Day kicked off the celebration with Sister Sol’s
participation in 15th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Walk in Central Park. We also hosted our first Homecoming to
welcome alumnae members back and build connections between
them and newer members. We screened a working draft of My
Sister Myself – a film about Sister Sol created by BHSS alumnus
and NYU film student Frank Lopez and Sister Sol alumna Njeri
Parker. Sister Sol also hosted Book Club readings of Sapphire’s
“PUSH” and Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have
Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf.
Sister Sol’s spring retreat, “My/Her/Your/Our Legacy”, was
held at Camp Vacamas (West Milford, NJ). The theme was an
opportunity to continue the year-long celebration of Sister Sol
and charge members to reflect and work toward making their
legacy on Sister Sol and the world memorable. In addition to
participating in physical challenges, such as high ropes courses
and a wilderness scavenger hunt; members participated in a
series of workshops and reflective writing about identity, voice
and economic power. Staff facilitated a reading and writing
activity for all members about identity, voice and womanhood
based on Edwidge Danticat’s essay We Are Ugly but We Are Still
Here, and a special workshop was conducted for alumnae (ages
19-24), examing the Women of Color Policy Network’s report
entitled Race, Gender and the Recession: The American Recovery
and reinvestment Act of 2009 and its Impact on Women of Color,
their Families and Communities. There were two remarkable
ceremonies during the retreat: one for Cherished Phoenix who
presented their Oaths of Dedication and one for Soul Apoyo and
Soul L.I.F.E. who were initiated into Sister Sol.
“Over the past eight years, I have grown as a sister,
woman and leader through Sister Sol. I am extremely
grateful for the support and the love I have received.
I look back at retreats remembering all the cuts and
scrapes and the first time I ever climbed a mountain,
initially thinking there was no way I could do it.
I have found role models in my elders and in my
sisters. I have pulled my voice from its hiding place
and burned insecurities in retreat campfires. I have
cried out my hurt with my sisters during our Oath of
Dedication ceremony. I have learned how to make
commitments and accept change. So, I stand here
tonight about to embark on a new journey. I’ll be an
incoming student at Manhattanville College with Sister
Sol in my mind, body, spirit, and heart. I have grown
from a little girl to a woman loved and nurtured. I am
proud to be a member of Bro/Sis.”
-Sister Sol Member
After School Program
Our After School Program (ASP) provides daily academic
support, nutritious meals and enrichment activities for youth ages
six to 19 from 3-7:30pm Monday through Friday. ASP offers
a diverse range of enrichment classes on a rotating schedule
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which include acting, media arts, cooking, photography, visual
arts, poetry, percussion and drumming, martial arts, gardening,
knitting, computer/video technology, and various sports activities
held at nearby facilities.
Thirty members (ages 6-12) participated in our
Elementary After School Program (EASP)
this year. EASP staff offered several new
enrichment classes including Just Try It, which
intruduced our youngest members to a variety
of healthy foods and ingredients and how to
cook delicious, low budget meals with them.
Members also explored international cuisines
and discussed the issue of hunger and food
shortages around the world. Another enrichment
class, titled Creative Movement and Music, offered a mixture of
dance from throughout the African Diaspora as well as yoga
and relaxation. Each class session consisted of a warm-up, a
game, dance instruction, yoga and meditation. The objective
was to introduce our members to African dance and yoga while
facilitating constructive physical and kinesthetic release to help
them gain focus and concentration.
The Mentoring Program took place every Tuesday evening this
year as volunteers gave their time, talents and support to our
EASP members. Together they worked on self-designed projects
that culminated in Mentoring Night presentations, held at the
end of each school semester. These events were well attended
as our members proudly showed off their work to their families.
EASP also continued to incorporate elements of ROP into its
regular activities through the Young Sisters and Young Brothers
groups which provided a space for our youngest members to
build communication and critical thinking skills through dialogue
and sharing.
Our Teen After School Program (TASP) had 20 participants
this year, not including the 130 Rites of Passage and Liberation
Program members who also participate when they are not
in session. A variety of new classes taught by BHSS staff &
Alumni were available to our teens such as Digital Animation,
Photography, Knitting, and Acting. We also created a new
Media Project, which includes classes in media arts, computer
literacy and library development. This project was created in
response to our members’ growing interest in developing their
media voices through various technologies, social networking
sites, and other popular new media. Through the Media Project,
our Reality Check Newsletter became a youth-led blog written,
edited and designed by our teens though members of all ages
as well as staff contributed. Our teens also honed their creative
voices through Writers Collective, our group for aspiring writers
& poets.
“If I was poetry,
I would speak the words that can’t be spoken,
I would free the souls that can’t be freed
And I’ll make them the way of life.”
-Writers Collective Member
Liberation Program
Liberation Program (LP) is designed for youth ages 14-18
who have demonstrated an interest in activism. This is a youth
co-led program in which the members are part of a collective,
along with LP staff, making decisions, planning outreach and
organizing campaigns, and learning, to become activists.
LP trains young people to be community organizers during an
annual four-week Summer Liberation School (SLS). This summer
marked the 10th year of SLS and 10 youth from a variety of
high schools participated. Through a series of workshops and
activities, they analyzed identity and oppression, studied the
history and legacy of community organizing, researched and
discussed issues around public education, analyzed the media
and images in Hip Hop, and learned about how art and activism
intersect. An array of guest speakers and facilitators informed
the training. Current and alumni LP members facilitated SLS
under the guidance of LP staff. The 10 youth who completed
the training and five returning LP members are now organizing
around and seeking change on three issues: media, policing
practices, and teenage pregnancy.
Summer Programs
Summer Day Camp
Our 5-week Summer Day
Camp (SDC) started on July
20th for 34 six to 11 year old
members, most of who attend
EASP during the school year.
SDC takes place Monday
through Friday from 9:00am5:30pm with an early drop
off (8:30am) and late pick up
(6:00pm) option for working
families. We also provide
free healthy breakfast, lunch
and snack. This summer’s theme was A City Within a City and
each week had its own specific theme that wove together art,
culture, nature, science, and history, providing our members with
a range of exciting activities and outings that took them all
over the New York City area. Our young members spent the
final week of SDC away from home in the wilderness at Camp
Vacamus (West Milford, NJ). Our two-week Summer Day Camp
for teens began on July 27th with 15 of our 12-14 year old
members enrolled. Like our younger members they engaged in
fun enrichment activities and explored New York City and its
distinct neighborhoods through cultural and educational outings.
International Study Program
Through the International Study Program (ISP) our high school
age members spend six months learning about the history, culture
and politics of an African or Latin American country before going
overseas for a four-week, firsthand immersion experience meant
to enhance their global competency. This year it was Brasil. On
June 29th, 12 of our members embarked on a month-long trip
to Brasil dividing their time between Rio De Janerio, Manaus
(the frontier to the Amazon) and Salvador, Bahia, staying in
both urban and rural locations. They took Portuguese language
lessons, participated in activities with Brasilian youth, spent time
in a Quilombo community and with an indigenous group in the
Amazon, and spoke to members of community organizations
working to improve life in the Rio & Salvador favelas. They
met with other youth groups including Afro Reggae, Steve Biko
Center, and Ilé Ayé. They also participated in cultural exchange
activities with Brasilian high school students, took Capoeira
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classes, met with US Embassy and nongovernmental officials
and visited historic sites such as the Manuel Congo Slave Revolt
Monument. BHSS Co-Founder Jason Warwin who now lives in
Brasil, co-facilitated the program .
“We visited Jason’s [Co-Founder of BHSS] father in
law and sister in law at the farm in the mountains of
Miguel Pereira today... His sister in law, I believe her
name is Taina, cooked us more than a meal… The
thing about the meal was that everything in it was
from their land—not from grocery stores or the center
of town, but from their plants, and flowers and livestock. Living off the earth, by the earth, to preserve
the earth. Something I’m not really familiar with, but
would like to learn. One day I plan to live like this. I
will be a city girl forever, but I believe its healthy to
get away and live by another way…”
-ISP Participant
This year BHSS presented at the following
conferences & foundations:
World Social Forum/Forum Social Mundial
(Belem, Brazil) 7th Annual Alumni of Color
Conference–Crossing Borders, Exploring
Perspectives on Race, Inequality and Education (Harvard
Graduate School of Education)
Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service
(New York University)
Annual Meeting of the American Educational
Research Association (San Diego, CA)
Atlantic Philanthropies (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Heinz Endowments Foundation (Pittsburg, PA)
Free Minds, Free People Conference (Houston, TX)
2008 CARPP/RCLA Action Research Conference
(Hawkwood College: Stroud, England)
Education for Liberation Network’s Teaching Truth to Power
(Online forum)
Liberating Voices/Liberating Minds Institute
Youth Opportunities Program
This summer 15 youth participated in the Youth Opportunities
Program (YEO), assisting BHSS staff in the office or working in
the Frank White Community Garden adjacent to our brownstone
in a project called Prove it to Gaia, as junior landscape designers.
They also received college guidance and participated in
workshops that develop their job skills. In the Prove it to Gaia
project, members learn how to landscape, plant vegetation and
build outdoor structures. Over the years they have re-designed
the garden, constructed raised planting beds, a gazebo, a
greenhouse, two decks, a covered “living room” for community
elders, and a ground-level challenge
course. This summer our members
expanded the gazebo creating a
covered space that can be used for
outdoor performances, meetings and
group activities. They created a pond
with a solar powered circulating
waterfall. They continued work on the
greenhouse they built last summer by
installing a new brick floor and compost
box.
Spread The Word
Spread The Word (STW) is our approach to community
collaboration and exchange toward creating healthy communities
in which young people can thrive. Our members and staff work
in coalition with other community based organizations, give
presentations and workshops, and attend conferences on issues
relevant to our mission.
Through Liberating Voices/Liberating Minds (LVLM) we
publish our members’ writings and our curriculum and conduct
professional development on our youth development model
for community and school educators. We provide hands-on
work in collaboration with other educators and participants
learn our strategies for group building, helping youth explore
our 10 Curriculum Focus Issues, implementing single-sex and
rites of passage programming, and developing curriculums.
Each participant in the training receives a copy of each LVLM
publication, a year of technical support, and assesses the
workshop series and its impact.
This year we published a new curriculum
by Dr. Susan Wilcox called, Why Did This
Happen?: Content, Perspective, Dialogue:
A Workshop Model for Developing Young
People’s Reflective Writing – A 128-page
curriculum on using writing to help youth
develop critical thinking and leadership
skills, find their creative and ideological
voice, and build community. It includes
illustrations of real teaching moments,
our members’ writings, ready-to-use
workshops, and suggested resources.
Throughout the year we also trained over 75 educators from such
organizations and schools as the Citizens Committee for NYC,
The Harlem Community Justice Center, Sasha Bruce Youth Works
(in Washington DC), Southern Tier Advocacy & Mitigation Project
(Ithaca, NY), Broadway Housing Communities/Dorothy Day
After School Program, Girls For Gender Equity, DC Language
Access (Washington DC), Young Korean Americans Service and
Recreation Center, Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning &
Social Change, West Brooklyn Community High School, Central
High School (Newark, NJ), Harlem RBI, and CASES. Since its
launch in 2006, we have trained over 250 educators from 60
institutions.
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MEMBER STATS
STAFF
Youth Served
Ariana Aguilar
Rites of Passage Program (ROP) 95
Elementary After School Program 30
Teen After School Program
20
(Community teens only. ROP & LP members also participate)
Liberation Program (LP)
Summer Day Camp (All but 4 members participate in ASP)
15
34
Development Associate
Que Alequin
Office Manager
Wendy M. DeJesus
Associate Director
Orisanmi Burton
Chapter Leader/Media Coordinator
Valerie Caesar
15
Chapter Leader/After School Program Facilitator
International Study Program 12
Chapter Leader/College Advisor
Teen Summer Day Camp
(All members participate in TASP)
(Brazil--teens from ROP, ASP and LP)
Youth Employment Opportunities Alumni Total: 15
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236
*Grey numbers indicate members who participate in more than
one program.
Silvia Canales
Enmanuel Candelario
Chapter Leader/Liberation Program Organizer
Khary Lazarre-White
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Kathryn Littlefield
Development Associate
Rites of Passage Alumni Outcomes
Through Age 22
Junauda Petrus
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Alumni who either graduated from high school/
received GED: Alumni graduated from high school: Alumni accepted to college: Alumni working full-time or enrolled in college: Meischan Parrilla
Operations/Computer Technician
After School Program Facilitator
94%
88%
85%
95%
CRITICAL DECISION-MAKING
Alumni who are incarcerated: 0%
Alumni ever sentenced to jail: 2%
Alumni convicted of a crime: 3%
Alumni having a known addiction to drugs: 0%
Alumni having children before graduating from high school: 2%
Members who had a child before age 22 5%
Male alumni remaining with the mothers of their children,
having primary custody or maintaining regular visitation
100%
patterns
Alumni members known to have contracted HIV 0%
Nando Rodriguez
Chapter Leader & Environmental Program Coordinator
Raphael Santiago
Arts Coordinator
Cidra M. Sebastien
Associate Director
Juan Tavarez
After School Program Facilitator
Brandon Urquhart
Comptroller
Dr. Susan Wilcox
Program & Professional Development
Our wrap-around, scaffolded services
and educational approach, is holistic and
comprehensive, and the reason why BHSS is
able to achieve statistical outcomes that are so
superior to city-wide averages.
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HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Chapter/Program Key
Brotherhood Chapters
Strive 2 Thrive: The Cipher (Mott Hall High School)
United Warriors (Community Based)
The Brotherhood at Thurgood Marshall Academy for Social
Learning & Change (TMA)
Brotherhood Alumni Chapters
Intrinsic Kings (TMA)
Akoma (TMA)
Eternally Unbreakable (Central Park East High School/CPE)
Infinite (Banana Kelly High School/BK)
Invincible/Untouchable (CPE)
Knowledge of Self (East Side Community High School/ESCH)
Sister Sol Chapters
Cherished Phoenix (CPE)
Soul & L.I.F.E. (Mott Hall High School)
Soul Apoyo (Community Based)
Sister Sol at Community Health Academy of the Heights (CHAH)
Sister Sol Alumnae Chapters
Eternal Sistas (Community Based)
Eleloli: The Pages (ESCHS)
Siempre Baakoye (George Washington High School (GW) &
TMA
Sol Axe (Banana Kelly High School)
Liberation Program (LP)
After School Program (ASP)
International Study Program (ISP)
Summer Day Camp (SDC)
Spread the Word (STW)
Liberating Voices/Liberating Minds (LVLM)
Writers Collective (WC)
(of which Lyrical Circle (LC) is the founding group)
SEPTEMBER
Staff Development takes places throughout the month of
September. Activities include planning and goal setting for the
coming year with program colleagues, reflecting on our members
and our accomplishment in the last year, and participating in a
workshop with guest speakers. Guest speaker Pedro Noguera
leads a workshop on cultivating agency among the youth we
work with. Staff also attends a film screening and subsequent
discussion of the movie “Trouble the Water”, which focuses on
the struggles of people in the Ninth Ward during Hurricane
Katrina. Finally, all staff participates in an overnight stay at Sag
Harbor Inn at the Hamptons, with the purpose of encouraging
staff bonding.
On September 16-20, Cidra flies to Stroud, England to
participate in the 2008 CARPP/RCLA Action Research Conference
at Hawkwood College where she presents an eighteen-month
long cooperative study she participated in through the Ford
Foundation’s Leadership for a Changing World, that captured the
expertise and reflections of seven leaders of color who lead
movement building organizations throughout the US.
On September 18, BHSS hosts a Soho House friend-raiser with
Board members Paul Butler and Rahsan Rahsan Lindsay. The
event features a screening of 2 short films on BHSS’s Sister Sol
Rites of Passage Program and performances from Lyrical Circle
members (Frankie Lopez, Enmanuel Candelario, Frantz Jerome,
and Zora Howard). A meet-and-greet cocktail reception follows
the program.
On September 26 Khary is invited by the Heinz Endowments
Foundation in Pittsburgh, PA to speak to their staff regarding
experience and best practices in improving life outcomes for
young African American men and to provide advice on identifying
funding focuses. Khary travels to Pittsburgh, PA for a day of
dialogue around improving outcomes for African-American men
and boys.
On September 30, members of Lyrical Circle perform at New
York University as a part of the Hip Hop Theater Festival’s youth
voices night.
OCTOBER
On October 11, Frank Lopez, alumni member of LC presents
on a panel as a part of Black on Both Sides – the role of AfroLatino(a)s in Hip Hop. The panel is co-sponsored by Africana
Studies and Latino Studies at NYU, the Schomburg Center and
the Columbia University Latino Heritage Month Committee.
Franks’ film, Black Boys Don’t Cry - Manhood in Urban America is
also screened at the event.
On October 16, eight Brotherhood staff members and
Brotherhood alumni members facilitate a series of conversations
and workshops with 9th grade young men at Frederick Douglass
Academy (FDA) in Harlem. The workshops came at the request
of the president of The Charles Hayden Foundation who was
“principal for a day” at FDA. Our staff and alumni discuss the
transforming power of education and its specific role in the
advancement of Black and Latino men
On October 19 Sister Sol staff, members, friends, and alumni
celebrate Sisters Day by joining the Make Strides Against Breast
Cancer Walk. This is an opportunity to bond, learn from each
other and enjoy the solace of sisterhood by supporting a good
cause.
On October 22, members of LC perform at the Nuyorican Poets
Café at the invitation of BET News. A BET Network initiative,
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YOU(th) VOTE! seeks to express “how hip-hop, youth and
politics have collided to create such a special moment for the
millennial generation.” This event was filmed and was shown on
the network and via the web, and had representatives from both
the Obama and McCain campaigns in attendance.
NOVEMBER
On November 4, Susan facilitates a Table Talk, titled Let My
Soul Spit, at the Bridges for Learning Network Power PD Breakfast
coordinated for public school teachers and held at Simon Baruch
MS 104.
Office of the Mayor. The event brings together representatives
from the Mayor’s Office, NYC Department of Education and
community organizations including Deputy Mayor Dennis
Walcott and the DOE’s Chief Academic Office, Dr. Sabrina King.
On December 10, Khary and Board member/Treasurer Stephen
Graham attend the 2009 Economic Climate: Managing Through
the Downturn presentation at Baruch College. Grantees from
Tiger Foundation, Clark Foundation and Robin Hood Foundation
attend the event that is facilitated by Fiscal Management
Associates and Nonprofit Finance Fund.
On November 10, the Living Museum takes place at the BHSS
brownstone and features the photography and projects from
ISP-Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The event, titled De
Nueva York a Las Islas gives parents, members, and supporters
an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of ISP members.
On December 23, BHSS hosts Winter Solstice, our annual
gathering of members, alumni, family and friends. The event,
held at our brownstone, features performances by our members
and a night of sharing with our BHSS family.
On November 13, Ariana and Kate attend the New York
Women’s Foundation Neighborhood Dinner, A Celebration of Our
Neighborhood Leaders in the Bronx, at The Bronx Museum of the
Arts.
On January 9, BHSS hosts a College Fair for all our members
from 7th-12th grade. Members participate in a series of
workshops that include, Money Matters: Funding Your College
Education, The College Social Scence 101, and College at a
Glance (which showcases various colleges and universities).
Finally all participants gather for a panel discussion and hear
from admission officers and BHSS members and alumni who
discuss their college experiences.
On November 14, ISP holds an open house for parents and
members who are interested in finding out more about this
program.
On Nov 21, Enmanuel Candelario, Frank Lopez, and Zora
Howard perform their poetry at Noche Latina as part
of a cultural show organized by Academia Hispana at
Fordham University. The theme of the night was Viva La
Revolucion and the performances received much applause.
On November 18-19, Orisanmi participates in Teaching Truth to
Power, an online forum coordinated by Education for Liberation
Network. The discussion focuses on how educators can teach
about injustice and inequality to a group having an identity of
privilege.
On November 19-21, Khary and Susan participate in the Arts
& Culture Program, a conference coordinated by the Nathan
Cummings Foundation. Two-dozen groups from around the country
share their approach to the arts programming and its role in
social movements with the intent of growing and strengthening
the field.
On November 20, members of the LP kick off their series of
outreach projects by coordinating a coat drive. The group
distributed 50 coats, donated by BHSS supporter Tammy
Heyman and staff of CW Capital, to community neighbors and
members.
DECEMBER
On December 6, the 3rd annual Women’s Holiday Tea, hosted
by Gwynne Wilcox and a seven member Tea Committee, takes
place at Arium. This year, close to 40 women of all ages and
from diverse fields help celebrate 10 years of Sister Sol and
1199 SEIU is the event sponsor.
On December 9, Susan is invited to participate in a brainstorming
session on social and emotional learning organized by the
JANUARY
On January 10, Sister Sol celebrates 10 years and hosts
Homecoming, bringing all current and alumni chapters together.
The Soul Apoyo Chapter reads its new Mission Statement and
Definitions for Woman, Sister, and Leader. Goodies included a
musical compilation of songs having a sister, woman or leader
theme, tee shirts and pins. This event was an opportunity to
reconnect, to reflect on 10 years, and to consider what the
coming years will bring. LP members provided childcare.
January 16, 2009 Enmanuel performed his spoken word at the
Nuyorican Poets Café.
From January 27 to February 1, the World Social Forum/
Forum Social Mundial hosts estimated 100,000 people to a
gathering in Belem, Brazil. Participants engage in debate,
reflections, exchanges, and proposal building about this year’s
theme Um outro mundo é possivel/Another World is possible.
Cidra co-facilitates a workshop about race and leadership
with community organizers and researchers from the Research
Center for Leadership in Action at New York University, the
Women of Color Policy Network and the Southwest Network for
Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ).
On January 31, James McMichaels, Poetic Mosaic member from
Writers Collective, competes at the Knicks Poetry Slam semifinals. Zora (LP member), and staff members, Enmanuel and
Silvia, serve as judges.
FEBRUARY
On February 2, Brian Benjamin (Private Wealth Management,
Morgan Stanley) and Miguel Vias (Hedge Fund Trader, Techemet
Metal Trading) present on “The State of the Economy: What has
happened, why did it happen and what is going to happen?” as
part of our staff development “Brown Bag Series.”
9
On February 16, LVLM holds a workshop for Professor Bruce
Armstrong’s Adolescent Health class from Columbia University’s
School of Public Health. 15 students including a doctor and
nurses spend the morning learning about our approach to
positive youth development. Professor Armstrong is a BHSS
partner through the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program.
On February 11, Susan is invited to be an outside reviewer
at P.S./I.S. 187’s 53rd Annual Science Fair, We’re Not
Rocket Scientists, YET! She joins parents, retired teachers and
community leaders, including Council Member Robert Jackson,
on a tour of projects created by Pre K to 8th grade students.
On February 17, LVLM hosts a training for educators and youth
workers. Alumni and current members John Paul Infante, Zora
Howard, and Obiora Azie, participate and share the mission,
flow and activities of the LP.
In late February, Silvia attends Goddard Riverside Options
Center’s College Access Professional Development Institute
Workshop: Building A Successful Early College Awareness Program.
MARCH
On March 6 and 7, Susan participates in the 7th Annual Alumni
of Color Conference – Crossing Borders, Exploring Perspectives on
Race, Inequality and Education -at the Harvard Graduate School
of Education (HGSE). She is invited to be on the panel, What
Have You Done for Me Lately? with fellow alumna Dorinda Carter
Andrews (Professor of Education, Michigan State University) and
moderated by Professor Karen Mapp of HGSE. Sequan Spigner
(ROP alumni member and freshman at Brandies University) joins
Susan in presenting the paper Let My Soul Spit: Young People
Write for Reflection and Inspiration.
In March, LP kicks off recruitment activities for SLS 2009.
On March 12, Khary speaks to the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders
in Public Service (FELPS) at New York University. He speaks with
35 emerging fellows and their career guides concerning issues
of public service, social entrepreneurship, career development
and professional paths, remaining engaged in the field long
term, and the non-profit sector. The fellows work for umbrella
non-profits, elected officials, city agencies, and advocacy and
direct service agencies.
On March 31, Susan facilitates a workshop on board development
for the Reproductive Health and Justice Initiative grantees of the Third
Wave Foundation. The conference takes place in Amherst, MA.
APRIL
On April 14-15, ROP Chapter, Soul & L.I.F.E. went on a college
tour, titled College & The Capitol, and visited American, George
Washington and Howard Universities.
From April 13-16, Susan attends the Annual Meeting of the
American Educational Research Association in San Diego, CA.
As part of her duties as an Advisory Board member of the
Grassroots Community and Youth Organizing for Education
Reform Special Interest Group, she hosts a panel discussion
on the role of research in organizing for school reform. The
conference is also a venue for promoting Why Did This Happen,
BHSS’ newest publication.
On, April 13, Khary and Enmanuel participate in an event titled
How to Mentor Urban Young Males sponsored by Black & Male
in America. Khary was a panelist and Enmanuel performed his
spoken word.
On April 16, BHSS holds our annual Spring Planting Day in
collaboration with Campbell’s Soup, Urban Farming, and the
National FFA Organization. The all day event starts bright
and early and members of BHSS, Campbell, FFA students
from John Bowne High School in Queens, and Urban Farming
volunteers planted and refurbished the garden. A highlight
is the installation of a Food Chain Edible Wall. The wall
is a vertical garden that will produce tomatoes and other
vegetables- a creative way to grow food with limited space. TV
personality and gardening guru Danny Seo attends to kick off
the spring planting season and the segment will be televised.
On April 27, Susan is the guest presenter for a course taught
by a colleague of BHSS, Dr. Yinka Akinuslure-Smith, at The City
College of New York. The course offered by the Psychology
Department centers on adolescent development. Susan provides
the students with effective strategies for motivating and engaging
youth through highlighting our programs and member outcomes.
MAY
On May 4, BHSS holds a Book Signing & Reading at New York
University for our new curriculum; Why Did This Happen? Content,
Perspective, Dialogue: A Workshop Model for Developing Young
People’s Reflective Voices by Susan Wilcox, Ed.D. Dr. Pedro
Noguera, reads from the curriculum and Susan and contributing
youth members sign books for the audience.
On May 4, Brandon Urquhart joins BHSS as our new Comptroller.
He comes to us via Price Waterhouse Cooper, Cablevision and
Con Edison – where he did accounting and auditing.
May 2009: Silvia attends Goddard Riverside Options Center’s
College Access Professional Development Institute workshop:
“Working With Immigrant Students on the College Process.”
On May 14, BHSS holds its annual benefit, VOICES 5 at the
Metropolitan Pavilion. Tony Award winning director George
C. Wolfe is presented with the Paul Robeson Award for Art &
Activism by Rosie Perez (previous recipients were Danny Glover
and Sekou Sundiata), Susan L. Taylor, Editor in Chief Emeritus of
Essence Magazine & founder of The National CARES Mentoring
Movement, offers words of reflection, and actress Tracee Ellis
Ross hosts the night’s festivities. The event includes a cocktail
reception, silent auction, and words and performances by our
members including Lyrical Circle, our award winning collective of
poets, as well as music from celebrity DJ Beverly Bond and the
Jazz band KrisKraft.
On May 20th, Khary gives a speech and runs a workshop
at a convening of grantees of The Atlantic Philanthropies in
Albuquerque New Mexico. The grantees are from New Mexico,
Chicago, Oakland and Baltimore and focus on education,
youth development, learning and adolescent health and family
services. Khary is invited to speak on the issue of using organizing
11
10
and education as a tool to achieve
social change with young people.
On May 18, The Open Society Institute’s
Campaign for Black Male Achievement
hosts a screening of Bring Your “A”
Game, a 22-minute documentary from
the Twenty-First Century Foundation
and actor-director Mario Van Peebles
that seeks to reverse the trend of poor
educational outcomes for Black men
and boys. The screening is followed
by a panel discussion about efforts to
address the challenges facing Black
males and urban youth in particular.
Antwon Allen, alumnus of the Intrinsic Kings chapter of The
Brotherhood (Howard University), speaks on the panel and
Sequan Spigner, also an alumnus of Intrinsic Kings (Brandeis
University), performs a poem.
On May 22, The Brotherhood Spring Retreat takes place at
Trout Lake Retreats in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The theme for
this retreat is Palante!, Siempre Palante!, a Puerto Rican phrase
meaning “forward, always forward.” Through this mantra we
are able to emphasize the importance of struggling through
adversity. Five staff members accompany thirty-eight members
and alumni.
On May 26, BHSS Staff participate in a Brown bag. Ms.
Claudine Brown, Director of the Arts and Culture Program at The
Nathan Cummings Foundation, speaks with staff about the arts
and social activism - Why We Need the Arts.
On May 26, Khary attends a Board of Advisors meeting at
The Heinz Endowments in Pittsburgh, PA. Khary was asked to
serve on the Board of Advisors for the Endowments new initiative
concerning the state of Black men and boys in the city of
Pittsburgh.
On May 27, Zora Howard (LP) and Susan participate in THE
ANNUAL, a kick-off celebration of the 2009 ADCOLOR®
Awards held at JWT (J. Walter Thompson Advertising Agency).
BHSS is invited to the event after one of the organizers heard
Zora spit at Voices 5 where she received a standing ovation for
her fierce performance.
From May 29-31, Sister Sol holds its spring retreat, My/Her/
Your/Our Legacy, at Camp Vacamas in New Jersey. During the
retreat, Cherished Phoenix presents their Oaths of Dedication
and Soul Apoyo and Soul L.I.F.E. is formally welcomed into Sister
Sol.
JUNE
On June 2, Khary delivers the keynote address at DeWitt Clinton
High School’s Fourth Annual Conference on Activism: The Spirit of
Activism. The conference is the culmination of the yearlong efforts
of the Clinton students’ engagement in and study of activism.
On June 6, BHSS holds its annual Unity Day, a summer event
that brings together staff, members, alumni members, family and
friends to enjoy food and games.
On June 8, BHSS launches Reality
Check Online, a youth-led media
initiative of BHSS. The goal of Reality
Check is to provide the information
that youth need and want to hear
and to create a healthy and safe
community by promoting self-worth
and self-confidence, and by valuing
our lives and the lives of others.
On June 9, BHSS Staff participate in
a Brown bag. Dr. Mehret Mandefro
and Dr. Manel Silva, Co-Founding
Directors of TruthAIDS, speak to us
about Moving Sex Ed Beyond Sex:
Challenges, Ideologies, and Personal Politics.
On June 15-17, the Liberating Voices/Liberating Minds Institute,
takes place at the BHSS brownstone and we host individuals
from groups such as Girls for Gender Equity.
On June 25-28, the Free Minds, Free People Conference takes
place in Houston, TX. This national conference brings together
teachers, high school and college students, researchers, parents
and community-based activists/educators from across the
country to build a movement to develop and promote liberatory
education, and features a workshop by Sister Sol members
and staff: Sister Museum: A Virtual Tour of Sister Sol. BHSS is
a leading organization for this conference along with Chicago
Freedom School, Education for Liberation Network and the
S.H.A.P.E. Center (Houston).
Susan and Cidra present a workshop on Sister Sol as part of
an internal reflection about our work with young women. It is
also an opportunity to connect with other educators and youth
to share lessons learned. During the workshop, participants view
My Sister Myself, a film that gives an overview of Sister Sol
highlighting our practice and outcomes; participate in our Sister
Museum activity, and listen to and share strategies and personal
testimonies about nurturing young women leadership.
JULY
On July 6, ISP staff and youth members arrive safely in Brasil at
Miguel Pereira. The is co-led by Jason Warwin, Co-Founder of
BHSS who now lives in Brasil. They engage in various educational
experiences while traveling throughout Brasil visiting Salvador,
Rio de Janerio, and Menaus before returning to New York later
in the summer.
On July 6, our Youth Employment Opportunites Program (YEO)
begins for our teen members with the majority of the workers
landscaping and working on new constructions in our community
garden and environmental education space.
July 11-18, Khary presents at the National Principals Leadership
Institute (NPLI) in New York City, an annual meeting that convenes
leaders from the worlds of the arts, business, education,
government, military, nonprofits, and philanthropy.
On July 20th, Summer Day Camp begins for our six to 11 year
old members.
11
Teen Summer Day Camp begins on July 27th for teens not yet old
enough to participate in YEO.
FRIENDS OF
THE BROTHERHOOD/SISTER SOL
AUGUST
On August 3, LP’s Summer Liberation School (SLS) begins.
Adair Curtis
Director of Communication, Rush Communications
On August 9, a press conference is held at Thurgood Marshall
Academy to announce the grantees of the Deutsche Bank
Americas Foundation’s (DBAF) College Ready Communities
Iniative. One of four winning collaborations funded to focus
on increasing students’ college access, BHSS is partnering with
Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC), NY Coalition for
Educational Justice (Annenberg Institute for School Reform/Brown
University), Thurgood Marshall Academy, and the Academy for
Collaborative Education to support middle school students.
On August 17, BHSS hosts, Harlem Comes to the Vineyard, a
fundraiser held in Martha’s Vineyard. Harvard Law Professor,
Lani Guinier, is our guest speaker and youth member, Zora
Howard, and BHSS alumni, Frank Lopez, provide amazing
performances.
Fredrick Mann
Professional Advisor/Consultant
Azibo Smith
Business Analyst
Tiffani Scott
Demand Planner, BASF
Makeda Ricketts
Citi Group, International Policy & Research Specialist
DeAnna Evans
Financial Writer, Cadwaldder Wickersham & Taft
Cassandra Pelas
Claims Counsel, ACE
MENTORS
On August 20, a film crew from NBC comes to film and interview
BHSS staff and youth members. The resulting news piece, Helping
Teens On a Path to Success, airs on NBC Nightly News.
On August 28, LP has a closing ceremony for SLS. Most of
the participants had family or friends who attended. About
8 alumni and current members were present and four alumni
members submitted statements of encouragement to share with
the incoming cadre.
Our newest high school graduates leave to attend colleges that
include Morgan State University, St. John’s University, Haverford
College, Columbia University, Pennsylvania State University,
Parsons The New School for Design, SUNY Morrisville, SUNY
Herkimer and Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Ysanne K. Latchman
Cidra Sebastien
Nando Rodriguez
Ralphie Santiago
Junauda Petrus
Wendy Arroyo
Kathryn Littlefield
Janco Damas
Buddy Niedderhoffer
KEY CONSULTANTS
PROGRAM SERVICES
Muhammed Abdur-Rashid* - Music Studio Instructor
Bryan Frans* - Digital Animation Instructor
Frank Lopez* - BHSS Film Documentarian
Nicholas Peart* - After School Program Assistant
DaMond Taylor - Alumni Chapter Leader
Peter Williams - Martial Arts Instructor
*Alumni of BHSS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Fiscal Management Associates - Accounting Services
Intercity Agency- Insurance
Jonathan Rose Companies - Capital Campaign
The Law Office of Holden Thornhill - Legal Services
The Whelan Group - Development
Winnie Tam & Associates - Audit
13
12
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tinika Brown, Esq.
General Counsel- E & E Capital Advisors LLC
Paul E. Butler, Esq. (Chair)
Senior Vice President & General CouncilBusiness Affairs & Development
Gospel Music Channel
Susan Chapman
Global Head of Operations- Citi Realty Services, Citi
Fuquan Collins
Youth Alumnus; Project Engineer- Judlau Contracting
Rabbi Rachel Cowan
Executive Director- The Jewish Spirituality Institute
Isis Delgado (Secretary)
Chief of Staff- Division of Teaching & Learning
NYC Department of Education
Stephen C. Graham (Treasurer)
Managing Director- Bentley Associates
Loren Harris
Founding Partner- Thinking Man Consulting
Peter P. Heaney, Jr.
Former Regional SuperintendentNYC Department of Education
Jane Lazarre
Writer
Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsay
Director, Client Strategy- MTV Networks
Jon Moscow (Vice-Chair)
Managing Partner- Sterner-Moscow Partnership
Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D.
Peter L. Agnew Professor of EducationSteinhardt School of Culture, Education & Development,
New York University
FOUNDATIONS, CORPORATIONS
CHURCHES & GOVERNMENT
Adakum Educational Foundation
Amalgamated Bank
Best Buy
Charles Hayden Foundation
Citi Foundation North America
Council Member Robert Jackson
The Daily News
NYC Department of Youth & Community Development
Douglas B. Gardner Foundation
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Ford Foundation
Genesis Parters Real Prop
HSBC
Levitt Foundation
Levy Ratner, P.C.
Lumina Foundation for Education
LVMH
New York Women’s Foundation
New York State-Department of Health
Reginald Lewis Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Rutgers Presbyterian Church
S. Di. Giacomo & Son, Inc.
Scherman Foundation
Surdna Foundation
TD Bank
The Jewish Spirituality Institute
The Monet Family Fund
Tiger Foundation
Twenty-First Century Foundation
1199 United Healthcare Workers East
Vincent Mulford Foundation
Winky Foundation
Beatriz Ryan
Youth Alumnus
Andrietta Sims
Parent Member; Teacher- Central Park East II
Nicole G. Valentine-Moody, Esq.
Principal- Synergy Business Development
Minerva Warwin, C.N.M., M.P.H.
Consultant- Maternity and Infant Care
Family Planning Project
Douglas H. White, Esq.
Former Commissioner for Human Rights- New York State &
former Commissioner of Personnel, City of New York
13
OUR SUPPORTERS (250+)
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS
CULTIVATORS $250-499
Lisa Ahmad
Andress Appolon
June Blain Joseph
Ernest Boyd
Shifra Bronznick
Constance Brown & Nick Egleson
Bill Chong
David Clunie
Dennis Derryck
Lily Fan
Jill Giattino
Martha Gies
Stan Gottlieb
Djena Graves
Keisha-Ann Gray
Carla Ann Harris
Loren Harris
Vickee Jordan Adams
Peter Khan
Chekesha Kidd
Lewis & Sabrina Krauskopf
Roland Laird
Emily Lazarre & Micky Bloom
Charisse Lillie
Marcus Littles
Carol McManus
Jessica Pinkney
Louise Quick Spann
David Quinn
Arnie Rusinek
Kimaria Seymour
James Shipp
Tony Shitemi
Douglass Sims
Lizzie D. Sofge
Tanya St. Julien
Fred Sullivan
Kathy Li Thornton-Bias
Agata Vetter
Raina Wallens
Admired Designs Inc.
Ariana Aguilar
Aveda
Deborah Axelrod
Clyde Bascombe
Bikram Yoga Harlem
Blue Note
Jared Brown
Leah Burkes
Paul Butler
Carol’s Daughter
Casabella
Cori Chertoff
Barron Claiborne
Ed Clark
Alvin & Gwen
Clayton
Jan M. Cook
Rabbi Rachel Cowan
James De La Vega
Espresso Love
Farm Neck Golf Club
Fossil
Fritz Pollard Alliance
Fuerza Bruta
George Stilabower
Photography
Neil J. Goldmacher
Stephen Graham
Humanscale
InterfaceFlor
Bayo Iribhogbe
Jack’s Art Gallery
Emily Lazarre
INNOVATORS $1,000-2,499
B. Seth Bryant
Paul Butler
Derrick & Donna Cephas
Isis Delgado
Florence & Meyer Frucher
Heather R. Greene
David R. & Joan B. Grubin
Andrew Lewis
Fritz & Marnie Mueller
Pedro Noguera
Cleveland O’Neal
Michelle Ores
William & Sarah Ruddick
Nicole Valentine-Moody &
Stefon Moody
Fitzgerald Ventura
Chris & Minerva Warwin
Jane Lazarre & Doug White
BENEFACTORS $2,500-$4,999
Susan Chapman
Sara Anne Gottesman
Stephen & Ann Graham
Rahsan-Rahsan & Letena Lindsay
VISIONARIES $5,000+
Tinika Brown
Rabbi Rachel Cowan
Jean Riggins
NURTURERS $500-999
Zaid Abdul-Aleem
Nancy Barnes & Claire Potter
Susanna Bergtold
Deborah M. Bleakney
Keith Brown
Kevin Andrew Chambers
Kevin Nathaniel & Debra Fox
Joshua Guild
Angelique Hancock
Peter Heaney, Jr.
James & Marian Krauskopf
Michael Hirschhorn & Jimena Martinez
Jon Moscow & Patricia Sterner
Jerome & Barrie Raik
David Rudenstein & Zina Steinberg
Tameka Simmons
Andrietta Sims
Dulari Tahbildar & Keith Catone
Andrew Sommers
Helen Walter
Thurman V. White, Jr.
Jane Lazarre & Doug White
Leshem Loft
Rahsan-Rahsan & Letena Lindsay
Luis Vuitton Moët Hennessy
Andrea L. Mason
Herman Miller
MAD Lifestyle Training
Moët Hennessy USA, Inc.
Montgomery Boutique
Jon Moscow
Neil J. Goldmacher
Clarence Nesbitt
Buddy Niedderhoffer, LMT
One Village Entertainment/
Image Entertainment
Dr. Michael Parr
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP
Debbie Phillips
Pilatium
Prudent Fitness
Zead Ramadam
Samanta, LLC
Raphael Santiago
SMC Construction Corporation
Mark C. Smith
Steel Case
Tafa
Teknion
Gabriele Tiberino
Joseph Tiberino
Warwin Family
Gwynne Wilcox
Katherine Wilcox
FINANCIALS*
OPERATING REVENUE
Private Grants
Government Agencies
Individuals Contributions
Federated Agencies
Special Events
Other Revenue Sources
In-Kind Donations
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES
$1,320,158
$54,676
$55,213
$3,674
$137,651
$19,329
$1,050
$1,591,751
Program Services
Administrative & General
Fundraising
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
TOTAL NON-OPERATING EXPENSES
Increase in Net Assets
Net Assets as of August 31, 2009
Cash Balance as of August 31, 2009
$1,141,144
$114,529
$197,213
$137,517
$1,452,886
$1,348
$304,393
$72, 389
15
14
We Have the Answer to the Crisis Facing Our Children…
The answer is us!
This is why I am reaching out to you. Each day more
underserved young people slip into peril. Together we
can change this. We are their only hope.
We know the frightening statistics. Easily we may think:
What can I do? How can I, one person, one who has
my own issues and pressures, help? I have had those
thoughts. I have been, in moments, even held back by
them. But no more. There have been experiences that
illuminated for me why and how I could stop the flow of
our boys into prisons, our girls into parenting too early,
our children into graves that should never have been
dug for them. Here is one of them.
On May 14th I gave the keynote address at The
Brotherhood/Sister Sol’s annual gala, Voices 5. Oh,
what a glorious night it was! I accepted the invitation
to speak because I believe so deeply in the life-saving
work that The Brotherhood/Sister Sol is dedicated to:
values and skill building that empowers young people
and keep them on course; helping young people to
see and develop the extraordinary within themselves;
ensuring their safe passage to adulthood. It is surely
one of the most incredible organizations in the nation.
Khary Lazarre-White is my hero. Dr. Susan Wilcox and
the dedicated staff are our way showers. Their work is
catalytic! Their leadership, their services and outcomes
are without peer. Simply put, The Brotherhood/Sister
Sol does the work that few others will or even know
how to do.
They should not need for money. They should not need
for support. This is our job. And we don’t have to toil
in the village alongside them or change our lives in
any way. All we must do is support the work. This is our
responsibility—especially during these difficult financial
times when traditional funding sources are pulling back.
I offered to lead an online campaign for them, the
only such offer to any organization other than my
own National CARES Mentoring Movement. I offered
because they have answered the call to repair the
village, to secure the children. It’s our responsibility to
ensure they have all they need to do God’s work.
They are helping our community
to recover, to heal and to thrive.
Please join me in supporting
their life-transforming work.
“This is a story, really, about how America has failed
all of its citizens...When you think about where the
wealth is in this country, it is from intergenerational
wealth transfer...Slavery was written into the DNA
of this country...It affects all of us, not just the
people who were slaves. What The Brotherhood/
Sister Sol is doing is not just rescuing Black kids who
live in Harlem. It is helping to rescue the soul of the
United States, because we have failed to come to
terms with the legacy of slavery and its aftermath.
They are rescuing the future from the past. They
are investing in our collective future.”
Lani Guinier
Law Professor
Harvard University
For more information, please contact us at:
[email protected]
Make a contribution at:
http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org/donate.shtml
The Brotherhood/Sister Sol is a 501(c)(3)
charitable organization.
Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
In the spirit of service and love,
Susan L. Taylor
Founder & CEO
National CARES Mentoring
Movement
Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Essence
Magazine
512 West 143rd Street
New York, NY 10031
Phone: 212.283.7044
Fax: 212.283.3700
www.brotherhood-sistersol.org
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