04/13/2024
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MOE on the CHECK-IN: Let me walk you through the Neighborhood Benches implementation, my learning journey, and provide a little history. Much of this isn’t talked about.
First and foremost—I come from the South Bronx——born during—— the Bronx is Burning and the Black Out.
I grew up in a time when oppression, police brutality, violence, abandoned buildings, welfare, public housing, and betrayal surrounded me and shaped my views on life, choices and survival. I endured the pain of systems trying to complicate things, generating the narrative of black and brown people, and trying to limit my reach. YEAHHHH—— it was a rough time.
Nonetheless, I emerged from the rubbish with a thought in mind to return to the neighborhoods I played a part in destroying and wanted to contribute to its healing. Without rest—— I researched how poverty and violence connected and destroyed communities causing the harm I witnessed over years. I then typed up my strategy and studied. Contracted by the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene I organized a team to learn, practice and support my “Talk Therapy”(using benches on the premises as a safe space to unpack —— using active listening, mentoring and coaching techniques) and Mentorship work.
The following year —— entering the Echoing Green competition brought me the brightest smile—- a $80,000 💰, a platform that’s shared across 63+ countries, and a platform alongside great leaders such as Van Jones, Glenn E. Martin, Michelle Obama, and the other 34 people awarded with me during 2019.
From there I continued the work by increasing my team and returning to my old neighborhood to pilot the work. I first pulled up on some long time residents and OG’s to discuss my plans and understand their views. I gathered the children of those I grew up with and other impacted young people to hear about their views. As a collective we discussed our heavy feelings with elected officials and NYPD demanding safety for our neighborhood and respect for the work done on the ground.
With circles and respect—— I gathered both young and older people on basketball courts, bleachers and benches—— rain, sleet, snow and heat—— and we shifted the narrative for what we can do. As we facilitated class in the middle of the Andrew Jackson and Morrisania Air Right houses—— our neighbors cheered us on. Harlem Next.
