Our tiny one-block street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn is a microcosm of New York City’s tangle of possibility, beauty, and ugliness. Spanning topics of belonging, race, parenthood, education, economics, gentrification, and love, this project considers the issues at stake in our neighborhood.

I am supporting the children on the block to craft questions and interview long-time residents. This audio soundscape will present an intergenerational dialogue about the past, present and future of our neighborhood that is guided by the children's earnest curiosity. Created with the primary audience of our block in mind, the project celebrates each individuals’ presence, and investigates the issues and strengths that impact our community.

This work will be presented this spring at a block party. Roughly 200 of my photographs will be printed onto fabric and strung like flags across the street, zig zagging between the houses and spanning the entire block. Stoops will become stages for performances by resident-musicians. Resident filmmakers will screen their films, and resident writers will read excerpts of their work. Neighbors’ dinner tables with tablecloths will be pushed together in the center of the street, upon which a potluck feast will be served. After the block party, neighbors will discuss the impact of the event and work together to create a toolkit for those wishing to use art to facilitate complex conversations in hyperlocal settings. This project is created in close collaboration with artist Darryl Harrison and the Virginia, Hampton, and Sterling Place Block Association.