Brotherhood Sister-Sol

Yesterday I had a beautiful meeting with a young brother by the name of Orisanmi Burton at the Brotherhood Sister-Sol organization in Harlem. They are doing some AMAZING things over there. Brotherhood/Sister Sol offers a safe space full of the resources for Black and Latino youth to speak their minds, acquire knowledge and skills, explore their identity and beliefs, and receive support to make their dreams reality. Their programs and activities - mentoring, leadership development, international study, academic tutoring, internships, community service, job training, writing collective, youth organizing - provide these young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and overcome the negative pressures of poverty, racism, drugs, and violence.

Check Out This Piece: Black Boys Don't Cry: Manhood in Urban America


Check out their International Study Program:

International Study Program--Our International Study Program is a natural continuation of our emphasis on leadership development, Pan-African and Latino history and culture, and global awareness. It is a year-long program with an intensive four-week study program conducted in Africa and Latin America. Our members expand their horizons, develop leadership skills, and gain new and complex perspectives. Language classes, research projects, exploring cultural sites, completing service projects, and visiting NGOs and schools are some of the activities members have experienced in Morocco, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt, Ghana, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Brasil.

Prior to the trip, participants fundraise to help offset program fees and participate in regular planning meetings, as well as attending a week-long orientation. While overseas, participants begin to learn the language of the country they are visiting, meet with representatives in government, business, education, and community development, and have extended stays in rural villages or small towns. They also plan and facilitate seminars, undertake extensive research and make public presentations

Check out their blog: RealityCheckOnline