Today we’d like to introduce you to Brigette Brantley
Hi Brigette, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey with humble beginnings, starting as a lunch aide and gradually working my way up to becoming a high school educator. Throughout this time, I gained invaluable insights into the challenges faced by at-risk youth. My passion for social justice and education, deeply influenced by my grandparents who were social justice activists, especially during the crack epidemic, led me to pursue further education and training in these fields.
My life took a significant turn during the George Floyd protests in Brooklyn. My involvement and passionate advocacy went viral, capturing widespread attention. This pivotal moment led to an interview with the late Ruchelle Boone, where I shared my vision and experiences. The exposure from this event was instrumental in the birth of Da Peoples Assembly NYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and empowering communities.
Since its inception, Da Peoples Assembly has engaged in various community activities, including holiday drives, back-to-school drives, and social justice initiatives. Despite the challenges of limited resources and being a small, new organization, we have persevered, driven by our commitment to making a difference.
Balancing two jobs, being a single mom, and managing the nonprofit has been challenging, but the support from my community and team has been invaluable. The work we do at Da Peoples Assembly continues to be inspired by my personal experiences and the legacy of my grandparents, striving to address racial inequality, police brutality, and provide opportunities for youth to thrive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Man, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all! It’s incredibly challenging being a woman who has to do everything to keep the organization afloat. The lack of grant support since we’re a small grassroots organization has been a major struggle. We rely heavily on crowdfunding, fundraising, and donations to keep our mission alive.
One of the toughest challenges has been not having a dedicated team to help with the Da Peoples Assembly. I do get help sometimes, but it’s not consistent. Imagine trying to manage everything on your own—from planning events, securing resources, and ensuring we have the necessary funds—while also working two jobs and being a single mom. It’s exhausting and overwhelming.
My passion and drive to make a difference keep me going. There are days when it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders, but I push through because I believe in the importance of our work. The obstacles are many, and the journey is far from easy, but knowing that we are making a positive impact on the lives of at-risk youth and our community, especially the Bronx youth community, keeps me fighting every single day.
The Bronx youth community holds a special place in my heart. Seeing their potential and knowing the challenges they face drives me to continue this work. Despite all the hurdles, knowing that we can make a difference in their lives and offer them better opportunities makes all the struggles worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DA PEOPLES ASSEMBLY OF NY INC?
Da Peoples Assembly is a grassroots nonprofit organization that supports at-risk youth and empowers communities, especially within the Bronx and East Harlem. Founded in the wake of the George Floyd protests, our mission is to address racial inequality, and police brutality, and provide essential opportunities for youth to thrive.
We engage in various community activities and programs. Our back-to-school drives provide essential supplies to students, including backpacks, stationery, and other necessities, to ensure they start the school year prepared and confident. During the holiday season, our holiday drives offer support with food, gifts, and resources to needy families. Through our social justice projects, we educate and raise awareness about critical issues such as the School to Prison Pipeline, restorative justice, and more, via workshops, assemblies, and community events. Additionally, our youth programs offer mentoring, tutoring, and leadership development to help at-risk youth achieve their potential.
What sets us apart is our deep-rooted commitment to the community and our hands-on approach. Unlike larger organizations, we are intimately connected to the communities we serve, allowing us to understand and address their unique needs effectively. We specialize in grassroots mobilization by engaging community members in our initiatives and empowering them to be part of the solution. Our holistic support addresses not just educational needs, but also social, emotional, and practical support for families and youth. We actively work to bring about systemic change by raising awareness and advocating for policies that benefit our communities.
We are most proud of our ability to make a tangible impact with limited resources. Despite being a small organization, our dedication and passion enable us to create significant positive changes. Our brand represents resilience, empowerment, and community-driven change.
We are excited to announce the launch of our Cotillion Program, designed to empower young women and men by teaching them essential life skills, etiquette, and leadership. This program will culminate in a formal event celebrating their growth and achievements, providing a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Da Peoples Assembly is more than just a nonprofit; it’s a movement driven by love, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of justice and equality. We want our readers to know that every donation, every volunteer hour, and every word of support makes a difference. We are committed to creating a brighter future for the Bronx youth community and beyond, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Whether through participating in our events, supporting our fundraising efforts, or simply spreading the word about our mission, you can be part of the change we are striving to make. Together, we can empower our youth, uplift our communities, and build a more just and equitable world.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see big changes and growth in the nonprofit world, especially for groups like Da Peoples Assembly. There’s going to be a bigger focus on social justice and helping at-risk youth as more people and leaders see how important it is to fix these problems.
One big change will be the growth of afterschool programs. Organizations like ours will be key in offering safe and supportive places for students after school. We plan to create programs that help with schoolwork, offer fun activities, and teach life skills. These programs will help close educational gaps and give kids important opportunities to grow.
Getting state and federal funding will be crucial for us to expand. As more people see the value of our work, we expect to get more public funds to support our youth and community projects. This money will help us improve our programs, reach more people, and ensure we can keep going strong.
Another exciting possibility is having our own community space. A dedicated facility would allow us to run our programs regularly, host events, and provide a safe place for youth and community members. This space would be a central hub for learning, empowerment, and community activities, strengthening our role in the Bronx and East Harlem.
In short, the future looks bright for our field. With the right support and resources, Da Peoples Assembly can continue to grow and meet the changing needs of our community. We’re committed to leading this positive change, driving impactful projects, and building a better future for the youth and families we serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dapeoplesassemblynyc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dapeoplesassemblynyc?igsh=bnl4YmhlN21yejZt&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh6B0Bq3RkY
