Growing up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Barry Cooper, known as “Coach Coop,” understood that young men of color are often viewed as hypermasculine and dangerous. He witnessed firsthand the lack of welcoming environments they have access to. His early experiences as a neighborhood barber helped him recognize the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces where boys could explore who they are. This realization sparked a lifelong commitment to transforming the futures of young men in his community. Barry went on to become a dean at Eagle Academy and eventually the founder of the B.R.O. (Building Real Opportunities) Experience Foundation.

The B.R.O. Experience is a nonprofit organization that reimagines what healing and support look like for young men of color. Rather than focusing on what they should avoid, Barry’s work is rooted in who they can become. Today, the organization provides a non-clinical, culturally grounded approach to emotional well-being. Its programs target various demographics of young men in the community, with an important secret sauce: cognitive behavioral talk therapy integrated into everything they do. 

With over 1,000 youth served and partnerships with schools, health systems, and social work institutions, B.R.O. offers a powerful alternative to traditional therapy by centering joy, safety, identity, and brotherhood. Barry remains a trusted first responder in the neighborhood, often called upon by families and law enforcement during times of crisis. Now, he wants to deepen B.R.O.’s impact both in Bed-Stuy and online. His work is more than a program — it’s a movement toward healing, self-definition, and community transformation.