Inside a brownstone in West Harlem, kids and young adults are getting into things you may not expect from a group of people their age. Instead of videogames and troublemaking, these young people are discovering their heritage, finding purpose, and building self-confidence. This sanctuary, known to the community as The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, has spent over a decade providing an extended family of support to youth as young as seven years old. 

Inside a brownstone in West Harlem, kids and young adults are getting into things you may not expect from a group of people their age. Instead of videogames and troublemaking, these young people are discovering their heritage, finding purpose, and building self-confidence. This sanctuary, known to the community as The Brotherhood/Sister Sol, has spent over a decade providing an extended family of support to youth as young as seven years old. 

Founded in 1994 in Providence, RI by two childhood friends and fellow Brown University students, The Brotherhood began as a safe haven for impoverished Black and Latino young men. After relocating to New York City a year later, the organization recognized the needs of young women and expanded the mission of guidance and leadership into the Sister Sol.

The Brotherhood/Sister Sol’s core program, Rites of Passage, partners with local public schools to establish unique chapters of up to 18 youth that work together during a rigorous four to six-year process. During this transition, participants learn to think critically about their roles within the community and are encouraged to explore and develop their strengths.

These skills spill over into the Summer Leadership Program, which exposes students to the riches of the world through a four-week international study program in countries such as Morocco and Brazil. Even the youngest leaders are challenged—in an after school program that offers enrichment courses in computer technology, photography, and cooking.

What began as a budding movement many years ago has now blossomed into a local phenomenon. None of The Brotherhood/Sister Sol’s alumni have ever been incarcerated or addicted to drugs, and 95 percent have either landed full-time jobs or enrolled in college. The organization has been featured in several magazines and news programs, and even received the Use Your Life Award from Oprah’s Angel Network in 2001.

“Not only have I been able to define myself, but I have a more positive outlook on life and I am excited to find my place in this world,” said Nicholas Peart, a 20 year-old active member, college student, and part-time program assistant. “I have been inspired by the strength, vibrancy and influence of my history and I am eager to create a history of my own. I now look forward to my future and I am excited by it possibilities.”

Check out this short video to learn more about what’s brewing in the brownstone.