Public Statement: Copper Boyz Ranch Positive Impact on Youth

My name is Patricia Lau, and I am organizing the Copper Boyz Ranch GoFundMe campaign. For over 30 years my work has been focused on violence prevention efforts. As the former director, Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence, Indiana University, School of Medicine, I was an editor for the first technical manual, CDC, National Violent Death Reporting System. Over the years, I have encountered various violence prevention measures. However, I have never seen a more effective strategy than the Copper Boyz Ranch. By sharing their horses in the community, these young Black cowboys have an extraordinary ability to engage neighborhood residents after a violent incident has occurred. This allows for a peaceful setting while the police obtain information about the circumstances surrounding an injury or fatality in the neighborhood. As they bring their horses to inner city parks for riding clubs, I have witnessed the rapport they achieve with at-risk children by exposing them to horses and nature. They often share their stories with the children, including their love of horses and their Native American background. Because they devote their time to promoting the health and well-being of underserved children, I feel compelled to raise awareness and increase the funding for their nonprofit organization. They represent a part of American culture and history that is not often shared or supported.

"They are an impressive group of men that work to encourage positive change towards the trend of youth violence in the city. These men don't want our youth to make poor choices that could affect their safety and their futures." ~ Major Kari Thompson, Kansas City Police Department

About the Copper Boyz Ranch

The Copper Boyz Ranch is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Your Majesty El By, aka: Derek Brooks, and his brother, Simeon Brooks. Their close childhood friend, Lyndell Woodward, is also a leader of this group. They are young Black cowboys who bring their horses from Grandview, MO, to inner city neighborhoods in Kansas City. Their mission is to expose urban children to another way of life beyond their streets. This alternative pathway is very important because Kansas City, MO, has a history of violence. According to Johns Hopkins University, Missouri had the 10th highest gun death rate in the country in 2023.

This innovative nonprofit organization evolved from a long tradition of urban Black cowboys in the Midwest. They have strong family connections with the Cherokee Nation, and horses have always been a part of their lives. They were born in Kansas City, and they know the challenges confronting urban neighborhoods, including a lack of engaging activities. By sharing their lived experiences with children, they often serve as mentors.

As a unique strategy to prevent violence, their services are often requested by the Mayor, Kansas City Police Department, and local schools. They provide meaningful and culturally relevant encounters with horses that can be life-changing in many ways.

For the past two years, the Copper Boyz have offered lessons in horsemanship through the Ivanhoe Riding Club, a program located in an Eastside neighborhood at-risk for crime and violence. Children learn about horsemanship as a way to address emotional control, conflict management, and social development. In terms of physical fitness, a child’s balance, posture, and core strength are enhanced through equestrian activities.

Because the property where their 11 horses are located has been sold, I am asking you to support the Copper Boyz Ranch’s mission of offering free access to horses, riding instruction, and mentorship for vulnerable youth living in Kansas City. Their services are offered free of charge, and they coordinate their riding program by balancing full-time employment with activities related to their nonprofit organization.

Permanent land for the horses and financial support is requested to ensure the riding clubs will continue to exist and expand over time. The Copper Boyz Ranch is a place where children in Kansas City can engage in a safe and fun recreational activity—and truly thrive.

Donations will be used for the following expenses:

1) Permanent land for the horses

2) Feed, hay, and water for horses

3) Medical costs (rescued horses need veterinarian exams)

4) Transportation (gas for transporting horses)

5) Building materials (fencing and repairing stalls)

6) Tack (saddles, reins, and leads for horses)

7) Horseshoes (farriers provide horseshoes for hard surfaces)

Website: https://copperboyzranch.org

Kansas City PBS, Copper Boyz, documentary film by Collin Riggins, short screening, Reel Black Film Festival, February 21, 2026

Fox4KC.com – Copper Boyz Ranch aims to empower Kansas City youth through horsemanship, June 19, 2026, Juneteenth Celebration in Kansas City, MO. Reporters: Delaney Eyermann and Malik Jackson

Kansas City Star - How the Copper Boyz are helping change lives, Sunday Edition, August 17, 2025. Reporter: Dominick Williams

Facebook – Copper Boyz Ranch | Kansas City, MO (18.3K + followers)

Thank you for your generous donations!

Sincerely,

Patricia Lau, MPA

KC 360, Sub-committee, Second Chance

Former Director, Indiana Partnership to Prevent Firearm Violence

Editor, CDC, National Violent Death Reporting System - technical manual