Brothers On a New Direction, known as B.O.N.D., is a student organization at the University of Rhode Island that aims to unite and create a safe space for young men of color while also having others to connect with and rely on, according to Club President Daryl Mensah.
Since 2007, B.O.N.D. has aimed to help members come together and help one another grow personally, professionally and academically.
“We value brotherhood, leadership, service, mentorship and responsibility,” Mensah said. “Those values just encompass what we want for all our brothers that are in B.O.N.D. and what we expect from everyone that’s a part of the organization.”
B.O.N.D. is a community service based brotherhood that collaborates with organizations on campus and across Rhode Island. Mensah discussed how the organization collaborates with other multicultural organizations on campus in hopes of giving back to the community.
“Although we may have our own MC [multicultural] organizations, the idea and the goals we’re trying to achieve is more unity,” Mensah said. “I just like achieving good things on this campus together.”
Members of B.O.N.D. also volunteer with organizations such as Newport’s Boys & Girls Club to talk to children about professionalism and different avenues after high school.
“Everyone has their own paths in life,” Community Service Chair Christian Mestre said. “We’re just trying to help them find their own path.”
Along with being involved in the community, B.O.N.D. hosts events on campus year round. An upcoming event includes “Oktoberfest,” which consists of events leading up to Halloween. These events include a haunted house, Family Feud, pool party and pep rally.
As for November, there will be guest speakers, including alumni, who will discuss professional development along with academic peace, according to Mensah.
“Just making sure everyone is held accountable and realizing we’re in this brotherhood but school is first, we just want to make sure everyone is taken care of,” Mensah said.
Mestre and Mensah reflected on some of their favorite memories as members of the brotherhood. One of Mestre’s favorite memories is “Hoops & Heat,” which is a basketball tournament.
“You see a lot of people you know, you feel that sense of community, everyone has a smile on their faces,” Mestre said. “It was honestly just a good time and when everyone is having a good time, you’re having a good time.”
Mensah also reflected on his favorite memories with B.O.N.D.
“The more events I did through B.O.N.D., the more I felt confident in my abilities, the more I realized I could be a leader and the more I realized that all the people that look like me want to help me,” Mensah said. “Just having that space and seeing people come together, that’s like my favorite memory.”
The organization provides aspects Mensah and Mestre value, such as unity and comfortability that gives them a sense of family.
“B.O.N.D. gave me that sense of comfortability because I have people that have a lot of similar interests as me, that look like me,” Mestre said. “And honestly, I just feel like they have my back so I say it’s just like a little family that you can count on.”