ABOUT US
How Did BE Well Bro Come About?
Be Well Bro was created to be a hub of knowledge, inspiration, and connection for young men of color seeking to prioritize their wellbeing. Through articles, interviews with experts, creative showcases, and community stories, our site covers topics including self-care strategies, mental health resources, creative outlets, and the importance of belonging. We're committed to breaking the stigmas surrounding mental health while celebrating the power of creative expression.
This initiative is born from the heart of America’s largest Black community here in Central Brooklyn. Our nonprofit, The B.R.O. Experience Foundation, rooted in Bedford Stuyvesant, serves boys and young men of color with programs that build mental health, intellectual growth, community wellness, and critical consciousness. The content you find here comes from the lived experiences and perspectives of our team of educators and the young people we support (check out the youth-curated posts). We strive for this website to be a powerful tool helping communities of color build strength and resilience toward a thriving future.
Our Mission
Be Well Bro is dedicated to empowering young men and men of color by providing a safe and inclusive space for discussions on wellness, mental health, creative expression, and community belonging. We aim to foster personal growth, resilience, and support among our readers, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys toward holistic wellbeing.
Our Vision
We envision a world where young men and men of color feel valued, heard, and supported in their wellness journeys. This site strives to cultivate a global community that celebrates diversity, encourages vulnerability, and promotes mental health awareness, ultimately leading to healthier and more fulfilled lives.
Our Desired Impact…
Cultivate a strong network where readers can share their experiences, support one another, and forge meaningful relationships.
Community Building
Equip young men and men of color with the tools and resources needed to navigate their mental health and wellness journeys.
Empowerment
Raise awareness around the unique challenges faced by men of color regarding mental health, encouraging open conversations and reducing stigma.
Awareness
Inspire readers to engage in creative outlets that promote self-discovery and emotional well-being.
Creative Expression
Why it’s so Important Right Now?
What our young people across our country face today is daunting, and youth of color often face particularly dire challenges. Against a backdrop of record-high rates of anxiety and depression, boys and young men of color in particular face dangerous terrain, from higher rates of violence, suicide, incarceration, and school disconnection to greater levels of loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness. Meanwhile, our culture is delivering messages of unhealthy masculinity, and far too often typecasting young Black men as villains. We refuse to let our boys of color be stigmatized and robbed of their potential.
Digital technology is part of the problem (from social media platforms eroding mental health to new risks from A.I. products) but can also be part of the solution. A 2024 report found that over half of young people in America regularly look up online mental health information and use mental wellness apps. While these resources can be of great benefit, few of them are tailored to the lived experiences of people of color, and even fewer to male youth of color. We’re here to help build that space.
About The B.R.O. Experience Foundation
The B.R.O. Experience Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Brooklyn, NY dedicated to supporting young men of color in their mental health, intellectual growth, and life success. Founded by Barry Cooper, an esteemed educator with over a decade of experience in public schools, state agencies, and community organizing, B.R.O. delivers a range of programs including youth summer camp, out-of-school services, music therapy workshops, fatherhood cohorts, and operates a community wellness center, The BRO Space, in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant.
Meet the Creatives Behind the Scenes
This digital space is more than just a website—it's a reflection of purpose, passion, and brotherhood. None of it would be possible without the talented individuals who poured their time, heart, and vision into bringing BRO Wellness to life. From design and strategy to storytelling and support, this team worked with intention to create a space that uplifts, informs, and empowers.
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Strategist | Artivist | Healer
Demetrius Similien is a proud graduate of the HBCU system, having attended Savannah State University and earning his degree from Benedict College with a dual major in Political Science and Philosophy. Grounded in critical thought and community ethics, Demetrius began his career as a Community Engagement Coordinator and Policy Developer for the Clinton Foundation, working across the United States to help Black and Brown communities navigate and understand policies impacting education, economics, and labor.
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UX Designer | Web Designer | Visual Artist
“As an artist at heart, I'm driven to create designs that not only look great but also spark emotion and leave a lasting impact.”
Jenae's journey in the arts is rich and varied, from earning her visual arts degree in Miami to pursuing a master's in studio art at Florida State University. From the feel of a pencil to the possibilities of digital tools and even immersive installations, she's explored a wide range of creative expression. She even spent time sharing her skills by teaching drawing to undergraduates.
Want to show some love to BE Well Bro? It’s easy! Share. Engage. Donate.
Every little bit makes a difference in supporting men’s wellness and building up the community. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Share our mission with your crew
Engage with our wellness resources
Donate to help keep this community strong
Your Voice Matters!
We value your feedback to help us improve and create a better experience for everyone! Use the form below for quick thoughts or take our survey to share your experiences with mental health resource platforms and to help us understand what would be most helpful for you.
In a nutshell, how did we do?
We’d love to hear more from you!
Please take a moment to complete our survey and help us better understand how we can improve your experience. Your input will directly shape how we engage with and support you.
Please note: You must be 13 or older to take the survey.
What Do You Need?
Looking for support or resources? Browse our categories to find helpful tools, tips, and information. Whether you're seeking guidance on mental health, self-care, or community support, we got you.
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Mindfulness & Meditation (coming soon)
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What’s On Your Mind, Bro? (coming soon)
Support/Peer Groups (coming soon)
STAY CONNECTED. WE GOT MORE FOR YOU.
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© 2025 The BRO Experience Foundation | Our Policies & Disclaimers
Need to contact us?
Shoot us an email and we will get right back to you as soon as we can!
Press releases and assets available here
Stock Imagery by Freepik.com and Unsplash.com
