OF TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT
OUR MISSION & VISION
For 30 years, The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) has been at the forefront of social justice, educating, organizing and training to challenge inequity and champion opportunity for all. With a focus on Black and Latinx youth, BroSis is where young people claim the power of their history, identity and community to build the future they want to see.
Through unconditional love, around-the-clock support and wraparound programming, we make space for Black and Latinx young people to examine their roots, define their stories and awaken their agency.
WE EDUCATE:
Through our comprehensive educational programs, we’re helping young people develop a critical understanding of their history, identity and role in society.
WE ORGANIZE:
Together with our members, alums, and partners, we’re building on a legacy of youth-led activism to realize a more just and equitable future.
WE TRAIN:
Through our innovative training models, we’re empowering educators and organizers to spark young agents of change across the nation Founded and headquartered in Harlem, BroSis offers far-reaching opportunities for young people across the country to transform their lives and communities.
WE OFFER YOUTH PROGRAMMING THAT SPANS THE ARTS, INTERNATIONAL STUDY, SUMMER CAMP, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, HEALTH AND WELLNESS, CULINARY SKILLS, ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE, RITES OF PASSAGE, AND COLLEGE AND CAREER GUIDANCE.
Dear friends,
Thirty years ago a vision was born - to build and work towards a more just world by transforming young people's understanding of their role as changemakers - and to give them the support, guidance, education, love and access to change their paths in life and to change society
As we reflect on this incredible journey, I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for your support Simply put, we cannot do this without you!
Your generosity has fueled our programs, enabled us to expand our reach, and provided vital resources that have allowed young people to thrive and excel
* Since 2018, 100% of BroSis members have graduated from high school, compared to 80% in NYC
* 81%, on average, of our high school seniors have matriculated in college - 94% in the last two yearscompared to an average of 34.5% of Black and Latinx seniors in the country.
* 91.5%, on average of our BroSis Class of 2019 and 2020 have graduated from college; of which 68% are first-generation college students, compared to only 24% of first-generation college students graduating within 6 years in the country.
Your support has also helped us serve over 40,000 healthy meals last year. New York City’s poverty rate has reached 25% – or 1 in 4 New Yorkers – up from 23% last year, and is nearly double the national poverty rate of 13%. Over half of New York City residents live in either economic poverty or near the poverty line. Rising food and living costs, displacement and unsteady employment are all contributing to creating a food insecurity crisis of nearly 2 million hungry New Yorkers, of which close to 600,000 are children.
As we look to the future, our work is more critical than ever. We invite you to join us as we build on the foundation we've established together. You can visit our website to see our latest work, join our newsletter to see our impact stories, attend our Voices Gala, and/or make a special anniversary donation. And follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram!
Thank you for being a vital part of our story. Your partnership has been, and continues to be, essential to us in helping youth use their voices and build confidence that will help them persevere beyond institutional and societal barriers. We have created a community that nurtures a sense of powerful unity, that connects young people to resources, that envelopes them in education, access, and opportunity. We are a guiding model for how change can be accomplished together.
This is the mission of BroSis. Thank you for your partnership.
With appreciation and gratitude,
Khary Lazarre-White Co-Founder & Executive Director
OUR JOURNEY
The Brotherhood is incorporated in New York City and begins serving boys and young men in Harlem and on the Lower East Side.
BroSis expands its operations to "The Brownstone", a 4,500 square foot home for 18 years.
Irmãos Unidos, the chapter of BroSis based outside of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil, is founded.
SisterSol launches, serving girls and young women; organization is renamed The Brotherhood SisterSol.
The organization begins its work to train educators in the field on its model.
In response to COVID-19, BroSis pivots and supports over 500 families by providing laptops with hotspots, financial aide, and over 1,100,000 meals
The organization expands its training work as the BroSis Training Institute. It has served over 5,000 youth and trained over 3,000 educators from over 300 organizations to support another 25,000 young people
2013 2020
2022
2024
BroSis publishes updated editions of: Voices of The Brotherhood Sister Sol; Off the Subject: The World of Lyrical Circle of The Brotherhood Sister Sol; Why Did This Happen?; and Brother, Sister, Leader: The Official Curriculum of The Brotherhood Sister Sol
BroSis moves into its new 20,000 square foot state of the art building.
IMPACT IN NUMBERS
Since 2018, 100% of BroSis seniors have graduated from High School or obtained a GED (with only 5 members obtaining GEDs). NYC DOE High School Graduation rate for Black and Latinx students is 80%.
Since 2018, on average 81% of our seniors have matriculated to college. In the last 2 years, that percentage has risen to 94%. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2022, the college enrollment rate was 36% for Black students and 33% for Latinx students.
68% of BroSis members are first-generation college students. Within the two most recent qualifying college-bound classes (2019 & 2020) BroSis members have graduated from college at 86% & 97% respectively. For first-generation students who gain entry to college, the issue of remaining in college while facing assorted economic hardships is a crisis. According to the US Department of Education, on average only 24% of first-generation college students earn a college degree within 6 years.
3,000 EDUCATORS from 300+ ORGANIZATIONS have been trained on our model, and subsequently served 25,000 YOUNG PEOPLE.
95% of BroSis members graduate from high school compared to 80% of young people in NYC.
40,000 5,000 1.1M meals for our youth members during the school year and summer pounds of fresh produce distributed by the BroSis youth-led Farmers’ Market to over 2,000 community residents each year meals distributed to the community during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic BROSIS IS ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE AND IMPACTFUL
95% of BroSis alumni, 18-25, are working full-time or enrolled in college compared to just 30% of 18-25 year olds in Harlem.
Over nearly 30 years, no BroSis member or alum is incarcerated, and less than 1% are on probation. 1 out of 3 Black men in America, ages 20-29, is in prison, on probation, or on parole.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTRY.
HARLEM
BROSIS 30% 95%
USA BROSIS
...AND BEYOND
TATIANA’S STORY
BROSIS IS LIKE A FAMILY TO ME; A PLACE WHERE I FOUND MY VOICE AND LEARNED HOW TO NAVIGATE LIFE AS A YOUNG WOMAN OF COLOR.
Tatiana joined BroSis over four years ago as a high school sophomore, initially drawn to the arts program, where she discovered her passion for creative expression Over time, she expanded her involvement, joining the Sister Sol program and later the International Study Program (ISP), which truly transformed her path. "ISP was a life-changing experience," she explains. Traveling to Ghana and Brazil not only deepened her connection to her African roots but also helped her solidify her career aspirations in diplomacy and international relations. "It was through ISP that I realized I want to be a diplomat and give back to communities around the world."
The support Tatiana received through BroSis went beyond travel and cultural exchange. Reflecting on her time in the College, Career, and Wellness program (CCW), she shares how BroSis empowered her with confidence, self-awareness, and a deep sense of belonging. CCW provided essential resources like financial aid guidance, SAT/ACT waivers, and career advice, all of which were pivotal in her journey to college. "The support I got from BroSis was more helpful than anything I received at school They guided me through college applications and financial aid things I didn’t get from my high school counselors," she notes. Even as a college student, BroSis continues to support her with scholarships, networking opportunities, and career advice.
Tatiana is now majoring in African American Studies at Howard University and plans to minor in International Relations and Fashion Design. Her career goals remain focused on diplomacy, community service, and promoting cultural understanding. She credits BroSis for not only helping her realize her ambitions but also for fostering a network of mentors and peers who continue to encourage and uplift her. "Through BroSis, I’ve learned that my education can be a tool to empower underprivileged communities, and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life "
