If your image of a college student is a lazy, can’t wait to party, irresponsible fraternity-boy, then you are wrong. Brother for Brother, launched in March 2009 at LSC-North Harris, is a unique program designed to assist in the academic, personal, and social development of minority young men at LSC-North Harris.
 
The members are primarily African-American and Hispanic males, but all males are welcome. They are mentored by volunteer faculty and staff from LSC-North Harris. The young men of Brother for Brother are working hard to support and encourage each other in being responsible students, community leaders and volunteers.
 
Albert McQueen, program coordinator, knows all too well what life can be like without the support provided by Brother for Brother.
 
“The man you see now is not the man I was, McQueen said.
 
McQueen said he is not supposed to be alive. He was in a gang and was shot in gang violence and almost lost his life. His family moved him to Houston with relatives he did not know in an attempt to save his life.
 
“After I was shot I didn’t trust people, but Brother for Brother made me realize that other black men are not the enemy. I was blown away by the unity,” he said.
 
 Introduced to the group by B4B member, Rodney Coleman, McQueen stated he had no intentions of going to college because no one in his family had done so, but the group convinced him he could do anything. Two semesters later, at LSC-North Harris, McQueen said there is no stopping him. He gives credit to God and Brother for Brother.
 
 “I just wish everyone could be a part of something like this. I don’t want to just mentor, I am trying to make disciples,” said McQueen.
 
According to McQueen he and the gospel group he sings with are the first gospel group to be featured on Black Entertainment Television (BET). The group will appear in an upcoming issue of Sister to Sister magazine and will perform at the Stellar Awards where gospel music is awarded for achievement.
 
The young men of Brother for Brother are not just helping each other but they are also giving back to their community; recently volunteering for the Salvation Army where they raised over $700 dollars during the holiday, and volunteering at Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), a nonprofit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that strives to supply basic human needs through neighbors helping neighbors. Working at NAM’s resale store, they unpacked boxes, hung clothing, and moved furniture.
 
“Spending time helping others is one of the most selfless things you can do. What amazes me the most about these young men is how they stay committed,” said Hilton LaSalle, LSC-North Harris advisor. “They’re here out of sheer commitment; we don’t give them any monetary reward.” 
 
According to Hilton, Brother for Brother does not require the members to do volunteer service. The members just took it upon themselves.
 
Justin English, Brother for Brother, president, said the organization started with “serious people.” 
“One advantage of volunteering is that you get practice adjusting to new situations, people and experiences,” says English whose personal ambition is to become a psychiatrist. According to English, Brother to Brother has helped him become “more open minded when dealing with other people.”  A skill he said he will need when he becomes a psychiatrist.
 
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: lonestar.edu/northharris.
 
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 59,000 students in credit classes this fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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Jan 15. , 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 Media Contact:
C.C. Sutphen
281.618.5425, desk
281.639.6381, cell