An expert interview

Diving deep into the world of those who aid adolescents by shifting perspective(s) and or create space for growth & success, I had the pleasure of sitting down and conversing with transformational educator & non-profit founder, Barry Cooper. The interview was conducted at his space dedicated to his organization The Bro Experience. Upon entering the space, I noticed the art on the outside portion of the building, colorful, vibrant, and overall introducing visitors to a pleasant energy before entering. Once in the space itself, located on the second floor of the building, you are met with a large room like space that resembles a rectangle. To my left was three small steps that led to the side of the space housing computers and workstations, and to the right a freer space with six tables set up in a conference style rectangular formation. The Bro Experience space was not only equipped with computers, but also two large (around 65’) televisions, not to mention a large variety of books spanning from self & mindfulness to historical African American based writings. One wall that caught my immediate attention was this entire wall consuming, art piece that resembled an evidence board, it had pictures of the participants along with things found around the community, and their own personal writing, all connected by string and thumbtacks, an intriguing and interesting visual indeed. During my tour of the space Barry mentioned his ideas for the space, planning to repaint and make the inside more vibrant, purchase gaming consoles for the youth that comes by, and even getting artwork made by his participants blown up and positioned around the site! It was evident the love and time Barry put into this space for his organization and more importantly, his community. This interview was full of insightful information about not only Barry Cooper, but about how we can change the narrative for our youth.

Beginning the interview, I asked about his upbringing and life before his current position.

INTERVIEWER: “What was life like before transformational education?”

COOPER: “…I was on track to not graduating on time, I knew I didn’t like school”.

This was interesting to me yet also really cool in a way, for him to had not been fond of school but now in his later years encourage his boys to not necessarily graduate on time but graduate no matter how long it takes.

COOPER: “The reality is that majority of black boys and kids all over don’t like school, its systems and curriculums are to thank for that.”

Progressing, I asked about his previous experiences with the youth and young men of color.

COOPER: “I had a real start in schools working as a dean for a good friend of mine David Banks at Eagle Academy for Young Men.  I was militant but still cool for the kids, I knew parents, and I became a go-to person in the building.”

It was evident from his stories that he had a passion for simply making sure that young men of color where on the right track. Further into the interview nearing toward the end, I wanted to know if his work was solely around teens.

INTERVIEWER: “Who does your work target? Is it strictly limited to high school students and those closer to adulthood?

COOPER: “We actually have a six-week summer camp for third and fourth grade boys that focuses on development, literacy, and communication, while still taking them on trips and outdoor experiences every Friday.”

Not only is there a camp but there are programs within DOE Public schools where Barry plays a role in bringing a safe and perspective shifting experience to the students/young men.

Concluding this interview, I was happy to have had the opportunity to interview Barry Cooper as my expert in the topic of shifting perspectives in adolescents/youth. When it comes to this within young men of color he is on the right track. He spoke also about cognitive behavior therapy, and how he and his team use it as a main tool when approaching the work. The interview was inspiring as it ties into what I will do in the near future on the tangent of impacting the youth and young men of color by giving them space to thrive, and as Barry Cooper would say, “…be authentic, brave, and connected.”

Be sure to check out Barry’s non-profit organization The Bro Experience at: https://www.thebroexperience.org/