A Letter from Our Founder
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THE MONTH OF AUGUST
Enhance Mental Health Services: Providing comprehensive support to those struggling with mental health issues.
Boost Educational Resources: Ensuring access to quality education and necessary tools for academic success.
Offer Emergency Assistance: Providing immediate relief to families facing crises and uncertainty.
Executive Director
Brothers Building A Better Nation (BBABN)
THE MONTH OF JULY
In his 1884 book The Parables of Jesus, James Wells narrates a story that beautifully encapsulates the essence of human kinship. A little girl, straining under the weight of a baby boy she carries, responds to a query about her burden with innocence and sincerity: "No, he's not heavy; he's my brother." This sentiment, echoed in Ralph Waldo Trine's 1918 publication, The Higher Powers of Mind and Spirit, and immortalized in the title of a column by Roe Fulkerson in 1924, speaks volumes about the profound bonds of brotherhood.
These words have since become a rallying cry for me, especially in the creation of Brothers Building A Better Nation (BBABN). Our organization was born from the ashes of tragedy and the resilience of a community determined to uplift each other. Founded during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic in Newark, New Jersey, BBABN emerged from simple, yet profound community needs—safety, sustenance, dignified work, and companionship.
One of the catalysts was a conversation with Rayshawn Peteet, a young man recently released from prison who tragically lost his life shortly after trying to change it. His story, and those of many like him, underscored the dire need for support and direction. This loss propelled me to ask the young men in my community, "What do you need to survive?" The answers were straightforward yet profound, ranging from a safe place to sleep to meaningful work that instilled pride.
As we brainstormed a name for our initiative, we settled on Brothers Building A Better Nation. It wasn't just about physical construction; it was about reconstructing lives, forging paths from the streets to opportunities, from despair to hope. We envisioned men once bound by their circumstances becoming integral contributors to the community, skilled in trades that build and maintain the very fabric of our society.
This is not just an invitation; it is a call to action. For those who have stumbled, for those who have soared—the doors of BBABN stand open. Your past does not define you here; only your willingness to support and be supported marks you as a brother in this great endeavor.
Brothers, let us build—not just a better nation, but a sanctuary of hope and resilience. Let us be the architects of our own destiny, the masons of a foundation laid on empathy, justice, and brotherhood.