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New Yorkers vie for $200K grants to build NYC's future
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — From education, healthcare, mental wellness, and the arts, two dozen New Yorkers are vying for $200,000 in grants to build New York City's future.
Barry Cooper, one of the finalists, is recognized as a first responder in creating healing spaces and providing mental health programs for young men of color in his neighborhood.
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Cooper grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant. With two sisters, Cooper says his mom gave him the nickname 'the protector.' Now he wants to help his community.
Cooper is the executive and founder of The B.R.O. Experience Foundation, an organization that creates authentic and connected spaces for young men in Bed Stuy. Cooper also wrote a book called the Provider Guide for co-parenting dads, available on Amazon. Cooper says it's the perfect gift for Father's Day.
After five years of trying, Cooper is one of 14 finalists chosen out of thousands and is now in the running to receive the David Prize, supported by the Walentas Foundation.
Erika Augustine is the founding executive director of the David Prize. It awards five New Yorkers with $200,000 each year, no strings attached.
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Right now, Augustine's team is working with all of the finalists to prepare for a final interview. Winners will be announced in September.
Meanwhile, Copper is releasing a children's book in July, and says whether he's a winner or not, he says process has changed his life.
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