Today we’d like to introduce you to Quadeer Porter.
Hi Quadeer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I founded Brothers Building A Better Nation (BBABN) on September 10, 2020, on Cutler Street in Newark, NJ. The organization was born out of my deep desire to address the challenges facing Black and Brown youth in our community, following the tragic loss of a young man to gun violence. Initially, BBABN focused on pre-apprenticeship programs to help young men gain employment, but over time, we expanded to include mental health services to support the holistic well-being of the young men we served.
For the first two years, I was the sole individual driving BBABN’s mission forward. In 2022, my dedication was recognized when I received the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award. This award provided the resources to launch our first cohort, working with four young men and laying the foundation for the organization’s growth.
In 2023, we received a grant from the New Jersey Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, which allowed us to host the first annual Cutler Street Summer Fair. This event brought our community together and showcased our commitment to fostering unity and opportunity in Newark.
The following year, 2024, marked significant growth for BBABN. We secured a Medicaid contract and partnered with Children of Essex to expand our services. These partnerships enabled us to offer intensive in-community services, mentorship, tutoring, and caregiver support, including caregiver mentorship. Additionally, we conducted the One Nation Pilgrimage Tour, an HBCU tour of five schools, inspiring young men to envision brighter futures through higher education.
Through these efforts, BBABN has continued to build a better future for young men in Newark’s Lower Broadway Neighborhood and beyond. By addressing employment, education, and mental health, we empower our participants to overcome barriers and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Together, we are creating lasting change—one brother at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Early on, Quadeer faced health challenges, and many participants in the first cohort recidivated back to the streets. Fundraising was difficult, especially as Quadeer worked a demanding full-time job with frequent travel in 2023. The young men in the program required significant attention and support, which made balancing responsibilities a constant challenge. Despite these struggles, BBABN persevered and continues to grow and make a positive impact.
As you know, we’re big fans of Brothers Building A Better Nation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Brothers Building A Better Nation (BBABN) is a community-centered organization based in Newark, NJ, dedicated to empowering young men of color, particularly in the Lower Broadway Neighborhood. We specialize in providing mentorship, pre-apprenticeship programs, mental health services, and intensive in-community support to help young men overcome systemic barriers and achieve personal and professional success.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to addressing the needs of our participants. We recognize that economic opportunities and education are essential, but mental health, mentorship, and caregiver support are equally critical for long-term success. Our services are tailored to uplift not just the individual, but also their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
One of the things we’re most proud of is how we’ve stayed rooted in our mission while growing our impact. Whether it’s hosting the annual Cutler Street Summer Fair to bring the community together, launching our One Nation Pilgrimage HBCU Tour, or partnering with Medicaid and Children of Essex to expand our services, BBABN is continually evolving to meet the needs of the community.
Our brand represents resilience, empowerment, and hope. We want readers to know that we’re more than just an organization—we’re a movement committed to building brighter futures, one brother at a time. If you believe in fostering equity, opportunity, and community, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Together, we can build a better nation.
Any big plans?
At Brothers Building A Better Nation (BBABN), we are excited about our ambitious plans for the future as we continue to expand and strengthen our impact in the community.
One of our most significant projects is the development of the 7th Avenue Community Center, which will serve as a central hub for our operations. Situated in Newark’s vibrant Lower Broadway neighborhood, the center will provide comprehensive services such as mental health counseling, workforce training, legal aid, and community engagement opportunities. This facility will be a cornerstone for building resilience and empowerment in our community.
We’re also thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual Cutler Street Summer Fair: Carnival Edition, which promises to bring even more vibrancy, fun, and engagement to the neighborhood. This event will foster unity and celebrate our community while providing resources and opportunities for local residents.
In addition, we’re launching the William Mobile Ashby Workforce Initiative, a program dedicated to empowering participants with skills and resources to thrive in today’s competitive job market. This initiative will focus on equipping young men with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment.
Lastly, we are preparing to expand our services to include outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse programs, ensuring that we meet the growing mental health and wellness needs of our community. These programs will enhance our holistic approach to supporting individuals and families, creating lasting systemic change.
Our vision is bold, but with the support of our partners, donors, and community members, we are confident that we can continue to build a brighter future—one brother at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bbabn.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbabn_nj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brothersbuildingabetternation
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbabn
- Twitter: https://x.com/bbabnnj
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bbabn
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/bbabn_gaming
