1Brotherhood Empowered | LAZERA Ministries

A Teen-Led program that fosters resilience and leadership skills, preparing the teens for mentorship and impactful community roles. Our mission is to empower a cohort of male teens through leadership opportunities, exposure to college and career pathways, mental health support, communication enhancement, advocacy, and peer support in a safe space.

Check out our program summary to learn more about the program and what the teens accomplished in 2024-2025!

2025 PROGRAM SUMMARY

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Resliency Award Byran Hill June 2024.jpeg

Founding Members and County Executive, Bryan Hill, after receiving the 2024 Teen Resiliency Award

Teen Leadership Outing at Great Falls National Park

Teens participating in a Qi Gong mindfulness activity

prior the 3 v 3 Basketball Tournament

Teen Leadership with the winners of the

3 v 3 Basketball Tournament

2023 Teen Summit

Teens pose with podcast instructor after completing training

Last week’s retreat was nothing short of powerful. ✨

We gathered in intention, reflection, and deep connection—creating space not just to grow as individuals, but to rise together as a community. From moments of stillness to bursts of laughter, every experience reminded us of the strength that lives within and between us.

We are especially proud to celebrate and welcome our new cohort of leaders and mentors. 💫 Your commitment, courage, and willingness to lead with purpose is what will continue to shape this movement into something transformative. You are not just stepping into roles—you are stepping into legacy.

To our mentors, thank you for saying yes to guiding, pouring into, and walking alongside this next generation. Your presence matters more than words can capture.

And to everyone who was part of this retreat—thank you for showing up fully. The impact will ripple far beyond what we saw this week.

This is just the beginning. 🌱

#Leadership #Community #RetreatReflections #1brotherhoodempowered

More moments from the Annual Brotherhood Retreat. Support this safe and positive space for teens. Donate via CashApp or Venmo at $lazeracommunity

Zelle using email yolonda@lazeracommunity.org

Or PayPal https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/3934805 at #1brotherhoodempowered #purposefulplay

Another Amazing Year to celebrate and reflect on the growth and legacy of of the Brotherhood #1brotherhoodempowered #youthleadership #growth #legacy

On Friday, the 1 Brotherhood hosted their 3rd visit to @morganstateu what started with 4 founding members in 2023 has grown into 12. Special thanks to our mentor @itsanthompson for hosting a special Q&A session. Thanks @iamcandice04 and @yobunny414 for being our chaperones. Help us continue provide these opportunities by making a donation via CashApp or Venmo $lazeracommunity

Zelle using the email yolonda@lazeracommunity.org or PayPal at:
https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/3934805 #legacy #morganstateuniversity #hbculove #1brotherhoodempowered

Join the Brotherhood on a HBCU College Visit on March 27, 2026 for Morgan State Explore Day. During our visit to Morgan State University, students will tour the campus, learn about admissions and academic programs, and most importantly, meet with Mount Vernon High School alumnus and Founding Member of the Brotherhood, Anthony Thompson. Anthony is currently a Nursing major at Morgan State, and he will share firsthand his transition from MVHS to college life, what it takes to succeed, and how the Brotherhood helped shape his journey.

We believe exposure changes expectations — and this experience is designed to help our young men see what is possible for their future. COMPLETE THIS INTEREST FORM: https://forms.gle/drfZbbkhgmepLbnV8

We’re in the news!! 🤯📸

It’s honestly so crazy (in the best way) to see our Photovoice project featured in an actual article. We took pictures of our community, shared what Richmond Highway means to us, and now people get to read about it and hear OUR voices.

This project wasn’t just about photos — it was about showing what we see, what we love, and what we want to change. Being recognized like this makes it feel even more real.

Go check out the article and support youth voices! 🖤✨ #1BE #YouthVoices #photovoice #zebranewspaper

Deep appreciation to our supporters, community partners, families, and friends who showed up to listen, learn, and lean in. Our youth are leading the way—and we’re building a stronger community because of it. #1brotherhoodempowered #csbfairfaxpreventioncoalition #youthleadership

Tonight’s 1 Brotherhood meeting was powerful! We focused on lifting each other up through affirmations and celebrations, while practicing public speaking. We celebrated the fact that while we work to reshape the narrative of what a Black Teen/Man on the highway means, we’re also reshaping it within our own stories, for each other. A special thank you to our mentors, Kofi and Anthony, for expanding the lesson and helping us see how these skills prepare us for college, careers, and leadership in the workforce. This is how we build confidence, character, and brotherhood. #1brotherhoodempowered #changingthenarrative #blackexcellence #brotherhood

Last Night the 1 Brotherhood leadership team received the Youth Organization Leadership Award from @leadershipfairfax . This award acknowledges Northern Virginia youth volunteer aged 12-19 who has demonstrated positive impact in their community through teamwork, problem solving, collaboration, and motivation of others. They were also recognized by @senatorwarner and @rep_walkinshaw Special thanks to the @lazeraministries board, parents, and partners who came to celebrate with us. Special thanks to our board chair @mel__vee for capturing the videos. #1brotherhoodempowered #youthleadership #fairfaxleadership

In 2023, while attending a game at Howard University, some of the teens learned about the National Black Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” One of our founding members asked a powerful question: Could we advocate for this anthem to be played at all varsity games during the month of February in honor of Black History Month?

Because they spoke up, change happened. Their advocacy became action. Their voices became impact. When we lift our voices, we create change.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Patnett and the @mvbsu_ for creating this Divine Nine celebration and for continuing the ripples in the pond of possibility—ripples that began with a single stone cast in 2023. May those ripples continue to move outward, touching students, families, and our entire community.#1brotherhoodempowered #divine9 #youthwithliftedvoices

Join us this Friday at the 1 Brotherhood Club at MVHS. Enjoy a safe space for real convos with your peers. Snacks and water is provided.

NOTE: Thanks to the amazing response and participation, we will NOW MEETING IN THE LITTLE THEATER.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME. This space is inclusive to all MVHS students.

What a day! As we paused to honor the legacy of Dr MLK, we stepped into our own legacy of leadership and community service. Thanks to @menswearhouse @lazeraministries for your support. Consider supporting our work at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/3934805 #1brotherhoodempowered #mlkday #legacy #supportourfuture

Congratulations to our President @hoodrichkofi and Team Virginia on the win at the 4th Annual Senior Bowl #1brotherhoodempowered #communitystrong #teamworkandsuccess

Why Join the Brotherhood? Because we live a SUITE life! Thanks to @ticketsforkids for safe and positive way to bring in the new year! #gohoyas #1brotherhoodempowered #communitystrong

The Brotherhood would like to congratulate our President, Kofi Martin, on being selected to represent Virginia at the upcoming Senior Bowl at The St James on January 2nd. #1brotherhoodempowered #success #strongleaders

Tonight we attended the open house for the Richmond Highway Improvements. We listened, we learned, and we shared our voices. Thanks to @supdanstorck for taking time to listen and discuss ways we can support the future of The Highway. #empoweryouth #1brotherhoodempowered #communitystrong

Support Teens Making a Difference in their community. Sponsor a teen mentor as they facilitate a leadership workshop, provide supplies for peer to peer workshops, feed 30 leaders at weekly planning and training sessions, send a teen to our spring break leadership retreat or sponsor an episode of the podcast to elevate teen voices.

Donate at: https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/3934805

OR

CashApp, Zelle, or Venmo: $lazeracommunity

1 Brotherhood Empowered club has officially launched at Mount Vernon High School!

From games and team-building to real conversations about leadership, discipline, and community. Students showed up with focus, respect, and a willingness to grow. This is only the beginning!

Our mission is simple:
- Build community
- Strengthen character
- Empower students to lead
- Create a space where everyone is welcomed and supported

Huge shoutout to every student who came out. Your commitment and enthusiasm set the tone for an incredible year ahead. 💯

Stay tuned… 1 Brotherhood Empowered club at MV is just getting started.

🍿 Help us empower young men!
We’re raising funds for our Teen Retreat to give youth new experiences and mentorship.
Tap the link in bio to support 1 Brotherhood Empowered! #1brotherhoodempowered #doublegood #supportyouth #communitystrong #mentorshipmatters

Last week we hosted “Health and Hoops” to bring HIV/STI Awareness and testing to our community. Infection is at a high in the Route 1 corridor. 70 teens attended with 17 getting tested. We finished the night with a fun 3v3 tournament. Thanks to @inovahealth @healthyyouthva and Hybla Valley Community Center for sponsoring this event. #hivprevention #1brotherhoodempowered

Join the @1brotherhoodempowered for Hoops and Health: 3v3 Basketball Tournament and HIV/STI Info Session THIS SATURDAY, SEPT., 27, 2025 at 4 pm at Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Ave, Alex., VA 22306. Bring your team to win cash prizes. 1st place $75, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25. There are 2 brackets: Teens 13-18 and Adults 19-24. Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_dj8FzmUKZBwn85hgkKi08RTZHAM0-85hikRdOIYJ7E/edit?usp=drivesdk. Free food (Moe’s) and presentation sponsored by @inovahealth Juniper Program. #Hoopsandhealth #1brotherhoodempowered #basketballtournament🏀

HEALTH AND HOOPS:
3v3 Tournament & HIV/STI Workshop

HIV/STI cases are on the raise in youth ages 14-24 living along Richmond Highway. In partnership with Inova Juniper, participants will learn more about HIV/STI, receive free testing, and compete in a 3v3 basketball tournament for cash prizes. Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_dj8FzmUKZBwn85hgkKi08RTZHAM0-85hikRdOIYJ7E/edit?usp=drivesdk #hivprevention #basketballtournament🏀 #thehighway #1brotherhoodempowered

3rd Annual Summer Jam = SUCCESS!
60+ teen participants • 10 partners • 35 community supporters 🙌

✨ Free STI/HIV testing w/ Inova Jupiter
✨ Real talk w/ young adult peer panel
✨ Financial empowerment from John Marshall Bank 💰
✨ Honored 7 amazing senior leaders 🏆
✨ Ended w/ trivia + Chick-fil-A

Our 1 Brotherhood Empowered Teen Leadership Team showed once again that youth aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow — they’re leading TODAY. 💪🔥

#SummerJam2025 #YouthLeadership #CommunityPower #1Brotherhood #LazeraCommunity

Excited to announce collaboration & support from @vh_hbvb for Summer Jam TODAY! Grateful to partner with another local team feeding into our communities.

Summer Jam is only 5 days away…Register at https://forms.gle/VGKgjwy8dnUBwY9RA #1brotherhoodempowered #summerjam🔥

@1brotherhoodempowered cookout and cuts recap and invitation for Summer Jam THIS SATURDAY at 2 pm. Register at https://forms.gle/VGKgjwy8dnUBwY9RA for guaranteed Chick Fil A lunch and for a chance to win $50 playing trivia. SEE YOU SATURDAY!! #1brotherhood #summerjam25🔥 #thehighway

Thanks to @paisanos @1brotherhoodempowered and the entire Sequoyah Community for a successful free pizza and healthy food event. This is a partnership with @healthyyouthva Buckman Loop HCAT team and Paisano’s with a Purpose mission to provide summer meals to youth and their families living along Route 1. #healthyfoods #healthycommunity #partnershipgoals

Happy 4th from the Brotherhood at the Nationals Park. Thanks to @tickets4kids for a memorable celebration and game. #gonats⚾️

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