Harlemlive had the privilege to meet a brother by the name of Jason Warwin who is the Co-Founder of an organization called The Brotherhood. The Brotherhood is just one of many non-profit organizations in NYC which provides a valuable service to young African-American and Latino males .

Jason taking the time to speak to us in his office.

The ages 12 through 21 for males are "crucial developmental years where young males feel the most pressure to become involved in negative activities," said Jason Warren of The Brotherhood. At [this stage in their lives] they can also take responsibility for their own actions and fully comprehend the social circumstances they face."

What The Brotherhood provides males during these stages "is a curriculum focused on the critical issues impacting their lives," whether it be drugs,neglect, violence or alcohol abuse. How The Brotherhood goes about resolving these issues is by providing a safe trustworthy environment where the kids are able to talk about their problems.

Building a bond like this can take time so to help this process they go on trips and retreats. Some of the trips might include hiking, canoeing, camping, and mountain climbing.

How The Brotherhood Began?

The brotherhood was founded in 1994 by Jason and Khary Lazarre-White (who knew each other since they were five) while they were college seniors at Brown University. The two were involved in a lot of issues on campus such as rallies to end apartheid in South Africa, and opposing racism at the university.

Jason and Khary were not satisfied with just helping those on campus, but wanted to take their ideals to the community. They started organizing people living in the Providence Rhode Island neighborhoods who faced problems such as dropping out, selling drugs, and teenage pregnancy. "There was already a program called the Unified Sisters that was working with young women." said Jason. "But they had no programs working with the young brothers.

Hanging around the community center was a group of young males, who sold crack and skipped school. They came from low income families, and most were fatherless. Jason and Khary were asked to start a program to reach out to those young brothers.

Eventually they left Providence Rhode Island and decided to bring the Brotherhood to New York City because that was where they were from, while brothers who were still in college at Brown continued the group in Rhode Island. When they got to New York they wrote proposals to many people and made many phone calls. Soon they managed to receive grants and found a office space at Teachers College at Columbia University.

Khary and Jason decided that they were going to start this program called The Brotherhood, where they would bring these young males together. They taught them how to become men and how to respect women. They had group discussions where they would talk freely about personal problems. These discussions would not leave the room and could become quite emotional.

In collaboration with International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI), members of the Brotherhood go on a month long trip to Africa.

Each brother writes a pledge to improve. For example, if they use the word 'nigga' too much, or if they sell drugs, they would agree to stop. It's something that takes time simply because in in their enviorment, that's what they are used to.

After graduating from college, Jason and Khary have brought back what they learned to reach out and teach others. They had the realization that "it was the responsibility of older African-American and Latino men to provide support and guidance to the youths in our community."

Kareem Williams is a 9th grader at Central Park East Secondary School (CPESS) and a two year member of the Brotherhood. When asked how has the Brotherhood influenced him, he said, "It has taught me how to respect girls, other people., and how not to use the word 'nigga'. Even when I hear songs with that word, I try not to say it. It's made me more aware of the things I do and the way I act." When asked what he likes about the Brotherhood, he said "it teaches me important subjects that a normal school doesn't teach. They teach us about important people like, Roberto Clemente and Malcolm X." While interviewing him I could tell just by the way he responded that he felt good about being apart of the Brotherhood. He told us that when his 9th grade chapter has meetings at CPESS, the first thing they do is "Checking." Checking is when kids each talk about what's been happening to them during the week. They can talk about home, school or anything they'd like to share, knowing that anything said while checking will not leave the room. When asked about the various outings The Brotherhood takes, Kareem said, "The trips are fun but they are also educational. They help us develop a clear mind and get away from the city life."

Our Thoughts on The Brotherhood Chris: I had met Jason about a week before this interview when he made a presentation at my school. It was then that I really had respected and admired what he had been doing. He is also a cool person to talk to or with. I can also tell you by speaking to him in person that he enjoys and loves what he is doing. What I admire the most is the fact that he had got a college education but didn't leave his community behind. He brought his education back to his community and many others to help lead the way for teenagers and kids like us. Elvis: When I found out that Jason Warwin was from our school I was shocked. I never knew he was dedicating his time to a great organization called the Brotherhood. I feel what Jason Warwin is doing for the New York City community is real interesting and cool. What better way to help young kids than creating an organization which allows them to express their feelings, meet other kids, learn what it takes to be a man, as well as go on trips around the world. What I like the most about the Brotherhood is how it helps teenagers get away from all the negativity and start to think and act in positive way.

To receive more information about the brotherhood, to volunteer your services or to make a contribution . . . Number: 212 536-6955 Address: Box 11 Teachers College Columbia University New York,NY 10027

Photography (video and digital camera) done by Chris Hobson and Elvis Sosa

Interview done by Angel Colon

Chris Hobson

Elvis Sosa

Angel Colon