On July 12, 2017, the SYEP workers went around East New York and interviewed business owners and locals in East New York about their thoughts on the community.
1) What is your name, age and occupation?
Marcy, age 25, manager of Wicked Threadz Hair Salon.
Charlotte Richardson, age 54, works for foster care.
Lamont White, age 48, owner of El & Johns Barber Shop.
2) What's your opinion of your neighborhood? What should we fix?
Marcy: I've lived in East New York all my life. I think the neighborhood has gotten better compared to... maybe 10 years ago. But it does need more work.
Charlotte: East New York is up and coming now. The neighborhood is much better due to the increase of working class people that have arrived in the last two years. I think there should be more programs for the youth to get involved in and a park for New Lots and Wyona St.
Lamont: I've lived in East New York for over 45 years and I've seen the area change from a lot of different dynamics. I think it's a good place to live in right now because of the diverse people moving in after gentrification, but if we had to fix something, it should be the subway lines and more interaction with the youth.
3) Do you contribute to your neighborhood? Do you feel that you're an asset to the community?
Marcy: I contribute to my neighborhood by participating in a Back to School Drive. We give out free school supplies, food and beverages.
Charlotte: I contribute to my community by working for foster care.
Lamont: Every year for the past 15 years, I like to host a Father's Day gathering where people donate, give food and interact with kids. It's really fun. I also do a food service job to give back to the community.
