About Us
Our Mission
Kan Cobra Tiger Alliance founded in 2017, is a not-for-profit community service organization dedicated to addressing issues that impact youth and families. Kan Cobra's mission is to strengthen and empower children, families, and communities through comprehensive programming and vital human services. This is evident each day through programming that directly supports and enriches the lives of children and families we serve at nearly 50 sites located across many of New York City's most diverse and underserved neighborhoods.
Meet our Executive Director
Everett C. Hughes
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Everett Hughes migrated to New York City in 1968, shortly after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Always an activist, Mr. Hughes takes pride in having participated, at a very early age, in the march Dr. King led in support of the striking garbage workers before his death.
Upon his arrival in New York City, Everett resided in the Fort Greene projects and attended Eastern District High School. His humble beginnings did not deter him, thus, he graduated from Eastern District High School where he earned a full academic scholarship to Pace University. There, he received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Secondary Education. Because has a thirst for knowledge, he continued his studies at Long Island University and Brooklyn College where he pursued and earned a Masters in Sociology, and a Masters in Special Education and a Masters in Administration and Supervision respectively.
Everett began his career as an elementary school teacher. After a successful career as an elementary school teacher, he caught the eye of the legendary Dr. Lester Young and was recruited by him to School District 13, where he became an assistant principal at JHS 258. His sterling efforts at 258 were noticed by members of the school board in East New York, Brooklyn and they subsequently recruited him for a principalship within that district.
His efforts were further rewarded when he was asked to take on the challenge of reforming a middle school that was described by the New York Daily News as, “the worst school in the city of New York”. Under his profound leadership and guidance, the school became known for its strong gifted and talented program, its prolific performing arts program and its commitment to the service of surrounding community. This school was then transformed into what was described “Oasis of quiet and calm in the Ghetto”. Through hard work and dedication, the school’s marching band was the first African American band to lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His Martial Arts students became an elite team of competitors that were known for their skills in Kata and Kumite. They competed locally and traveled to compete in tournaments in Trinidad, Puerto Rico and Panama.
Always one to explore new vistas, under his stellar leadership, after a few months at the school, Everett transformed it from a den of violence and gang activity to a citadel of peace that offered safety and security for the entire school community. Everett also worked closely with the New York City Police Department, Community-Based Organizations and independent charitable organizations to provide physical, social and emotional assistance to students and families in need.
Always eager to give back, and coupled with a strong desire to visit the motherland, Everett took a trip to Senegal and Gambia that had a profound effect on him. He visited schools where classes had 50 or more students, a few pieces of chalk and one textbook and found that the students were well disciplined and eager to learn. Upon his return, began organizing trips to the motherland where through teacher and student donations, he was able to take school supplies and clothing and pay the tuition of over 200 students. He continues this work today.