Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brigette Brantley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Brigette, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by seeing the struggles in my community. I grew up watching funding get cut and young people with nothing to do, which led some to make bad choices. My grandparents were both activists, and one was a teacher. Seeing them fight for justice during tough times, like the crack epidemic, showed me how important it is to help others.
Their example taught me to stand up for what’s right and to never give up, no matter how hard things get. It made me want to make a difference in my community and help those who need it most.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a high school educator and the founder of Da Peoples Assembly, a nonprofit focused on empowering at-risk youth in Harlem. My work is inspired by the challenges I see in our community, such as limited opportunities for young people and the impact of funding cuts on essential services.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Through education and community engagement, we aim to provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed. One of the most rewarding aspects of what I do is seeing the positive impact our programs have on the students we serve.
In addition to our ongoing programs, we are working on expanding our reach and impact. We recently launched a back-to-school drive to provide students with the resources they need to start the school year off right. We are also planning to expand our programs to reach even more young people in need.
Overall, I am incredibly passionate about what I do and the impact it has on my community. I believe that by empowering young people and providing them with opportunities, we can create a brighter future for everyone. Additionally, I have a vision of organizing a cotillion for young women and men in our community. I believe that this traditional event can not only be a fun and memorable experience but also a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development. Through the cotillion, I hope to instill confidence, grace, and a sense of responsibility in the participants, preparing them for future success.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey from starting as a lunch aide to becoming a high school educator, I believe three qualities have been most impactful: resilience, empathy, and continuous learning.
Resilience has been key in overcoming challenges and setbacks. In this field, you will face obstacles, but it’s important to stay focused on your goals and remain adaptable to change.
Empathy has allowed me to connect with students and understand their unique needs and challenges. It’s essential to approach education with a compassionate mindset, as every student deserves understanding and support.
Continuous learning has been crucial in staying relevant and effective as an educator. Education is an ever-evolving field, so it’s important to stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing these qualities. Cultivate resilience by facing challenges head-on and learning from setbacks. Practice empathy by listening actively to students and colleagues and seeking to understand their perspectives. Finally, prioritize continuous learning by staying curious, seeking out professional development opportunities, and staying abreast of current trends and research in education.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
Running Da Peoples Assembly has been incredibly challenging due to our small and new status. As we approach our fourth anniversary in June, we continue to struggle with a lack of proper exposure, making it difficult to attract the support and resources we need.
One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of a dedicated team or staff to share the workload. It’s just me managing everything, and while I receive support from time to time, it often comes and goes.
Balancing this role with working two jobs and being a single mom to my young son is incredibly tough. It’s a juggling act that requires immense dedication and sacrifice. Despite these challenges, I am deeply passionate about the work we do at Da Peoples Assembly and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth in The Bronx and Harlem.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dapeoplesassemblynyc.org/
- Instagram: Da Peoples Assembly NYC
- Facebook: dapeoplesassemblynyc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh6B0Bq3RkY
Image Credits
Karen T
