NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Larry Irvin Junior helped start up Brothers Empowered to Teach, a program that hopes to inspire young black men to become teachers in New Orleans.

“The conversation just isn’t being with young black men in regards to teaching. Obviously, because they don’t see enough people who look like them in the classroom,” said Irvin.

He grew up in Kenner and the Eighth district and seen so much loss.

“I lost a best friend to a heroin overdose. I lost my first cousin who was brutally shot down in new New Orleans. Shot 8 times in his back,” said Irvin.

He wants change for black men in the future.

“It reaffirms for me, that I do have a mission to do,” said Irvin.

Marcus Moses – a pre-med student at Xavier – participates in this paid work study. Irvin helps Moses, and six other participants mentor and tutor youth across the New Orleans area.

And now Moses is into the second phase of the program, assistant teaching at McDonogh 35.

“It makes me feel great. It makes me know that I’m actually contributing to society. I hope that they take the advice and run with it,” said Moses.

The third and last phase is getting all the licenses and certifications needed, and becoming a teacher to the kids that need them.

“Today is just one day, make the best of it, but at the same time, you have the next day to be better. Each day, leave with something new and try to learn something new, and don’t give up,” said Moses.

Brothers Empowered to Teach, also known as, BE2T is holding a fundraiser Friday, February 27th, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Propeller Incubator, 4035 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125.

Tickets are $10, click here to purchase one.

If you can’t attend, please send donations to the address below:
BE2T c/o Neighborhoods Partnership Network
3321 Tulane Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119

To apply to be in BE2T you have to be a black male college sophomore of any major, with at least a 2.5 GPA.