Category: All

Alyssa Baldomero (She/Her )

East River Houses ,

I grew up in the projects. I remember spending hours as a young girl with all my friends in the park. I remember getting Italian ice treats through a window from the lady on the first floor, I remember neighbors bringing small blow up pools for us to relax in by the sprinklers on summer days, I remember the barbecues, I remember braiding each other’s hair and riding bikes around the parks. I remember the sense of community I felt.

2001 with my Grandpa and his wife Alicia.

Jayah Arnett (She/Her)

George Washington Carver Houses , 2000-present

 I remember the first time I met my grandfather and his wife I was about 6 years old and my mom made the move from California back to East Harlem, New York. I spent a lot of days in my great grandmas house in Washington Houses. “ Wash” was the first public housing apartment I saw and knew to be home. It will forever be the starting point of my journey.

Brandon A Rodriguez, 18 years old
First generation high school graduate
Thurgood Marshall Academy
High School Graduation in June 2008

Brandon Rodriguez (He/Him/His)

Abraham Lincoln Houses in Harlem, NY, 2008-Present

Preparing for a special day as I am the first in my family to graduate from an academic institution like high school. I felt like a superstar as I was walking outside with my family; many people from my community was congratulating and cheering me on in support. Through the tough experiences that went on in my community, I used education as a method to stay focused and out of trouble. The different organizations such as harlem children zone helped with their resources to provide me with tutoring and employment get through highschool . Eventually I made my way to college to become a college counselor and help give back others in my community. Thank you to those who helped pave the way for me. -Brandon Rodriguez