S. Anesta Samuel Avenue

 

On my way to school today, I met Ms. Samuel. I decided to take a new way, got a little lost. Brooklyn is a whole new world. I asked a lady on the bus if she was familiar with the neighborhood. This led to a conversation about roots and purpose. I was talking to the grandaughter of the Brooklyn Activist Anesta Samuel. The younger Ms. Samuel, was enthusiastic about me pursuing my Masters in Urban Planning. It is very essential for Blacks to understand public policy in order to preserve our community. She encouraged me to continue to be an activist in my community, "By staying in our neighborhoods, building neighborhood pride, they we can end cycles of proverty."

She told me her family were one of the first ones to integrate Brooklyn when her grandparents move in the 1950s Bedstuy - Clinton Hill area. The Samuels stayed when the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood quality of life turned for the worst as government disinvestment sought to destroy vibrant inner city neighborhoods. 

During this time, her family invested back into the community and supported stable anchors such as Emanuel Baptist church.  We walked the last block to Pratt Institue. When we arrive at Clinton -Washington Ave. She concluded her story by stopping under S. Anesta Samuel Ave. "My grandmother was honored for the work our family has done." I was so overwhelmed. It was a perfect way for her to introduce herself to me. I felt as if I was meeting a movie star!

The contributions of many black Americans propelled us to where we are today. I was beyond inspired, I was provoked to understand the theories and polices that dismantle our communities, lift up another disenfranchised citizen, and protect and sustain the legacy of Black Americans. Many Black elders may never be honored with street signs or on community centers, but with each success we honor them daily. 

Salute, Salute to the Samuel Family.