Black Power Players

Rujeko Hockley is the Arnhold associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art. She joined the Whitney in 2017 and has contributed to notable exhibitions like Julie Mehretu’s survey and the 2019 Whitney Biennial. Hockley’s writings have been featured in various publications, and she is involved in numerous boards and advisory roles. She holds a B.A. in art history from Columbia University and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California San Diego.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
“Don’t act like you don’t know what you know,” encouraging trust in instincts, from Walter Dean Myers (1937-2014), children’s book author. Another gem: “Think of yourself as a host, not a guest,” promoting a sense of belonging everywhere, by Okwui Enwezor (1963-2019), curator. And of course, listen to your mother; she truly knows what she’s talking about!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, 2024, and beyond: I am most proud of raising two kind, brilliant, and confident Black girls and building a beautiful life for them. Everything I do in my professional life, including my 2023 exhibition “Inheritance”, feeds back to them. Through the exhibitions I curate, the artists I work with, and the ideas I champion, I am envisioning and creating a world in which all our children can thrive.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Every month is Black History Month in my house, but a few things I am enjoying/looking forward to right now are: TV: “Black Cake” (Hulu) Books: “I Always Knew: A Memoir”, by Barbara Chase-Riboud; “Ordinary Notes”, by Christina Sharpe; “The Fraud”, by Zadie Smith Music: “New Blue Sun”, by Andre 3000 Movies: “American Fiction”, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce”, “Rustin Exhibition: Whitney Biennial 2024: Even Better Than the Real Thing” (Whitney Museum, opening March 20)

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Linda Goode-Bryant and her organization Project EATS! “Founded in 2009 by artist Linda Goode Bryant, Project EATS is a living installation transforming vacant lots and rooftops into neighborhood-based farms, supporting farm stands, pantries, prepared food, and community programs to catalyze creativity and cultivate greater food sovereignty across New York City. Communities deserve to grow their own food right where they live–Art that feeds.”

Elijah Hutchinson was recently appointed as the executive director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), helping NYC achieve one of the most ambitious climate agendas in the country. He previously was the vice president of waterfronts at the NYC Economic Development Corporation and was born in Brooklyn, New York. Elijah attended Harvard College and received a master’s in city planning from MIT.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Even with limited resources, you can help create the world you want to live in. We have power, often untapped, and growing up, that power wasn’t financial — it was from family, community and collective action.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Last September, on my first day on the job with the mayor’s office, we released “PowerUp NYC,” the City’s first long-term energy plan, which will help bring us into our clean energy future. This year, our office will release a landmark environmental justice report and the first climate budget for any major American city. For the first time, we will be able to evaluate our budget decisions along with our climate and environmental justice targets.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
As someone who identifies as both Black and Indigenous, I recently found a copy of “Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage” on my dad’s bookshelf, which brings visibility to the existence of Afro-Indigenous populations and cultures across the Americas and the complicated relationship tribal nations had with Black and enslaved peoples. Also, watching “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” through the lens of urban renewal, capitalism, and Toontown being a disadvantaged community with limited land rights is fascinating!

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Within our office exists the new Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture, with Qiana Mickie appointed as its first executive director. In the office’s inaugural year, Qiana released New York City’s first urban agriculture report, raised new funding for farm to school efforts, integrating equity in city initiatives, developed new opportunities and policy to support small-scale farmers and businesses of color, while also identifying ways to make urban agriculture more accessible to all New Yorkers.

Alvin Irby is an award-winning early childhood educator, social entrepreneur, and nationally recognized speaker. He is founder and executive director at Barbershop Books. Irby’s work focuses on cultivating the reading identity of Black boys and his TED talk has received over one-million views. He earned an M.S. in childhood education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education, an MPA from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service, and a B.A. in sociology from Grinnell College.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
The time, focus, and curiosity that feeds your passions and drives your pursuit of knowledge and excellence is more than okay – it’s worth it. Remain comfortable and confident on your path and continue to be a student of life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of the excitement that I’ve heard from barbers who have embraced their roles as Black male reading role models for the children who frequent their barbershops. I’m most looking forward to expanding the capacity of Barbershop Books to deepen our impact in NYC communities and beyond.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t seen the cult classic and Blaxploitation film “The Spook Who Sat By the Door” to give it a watch.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The work of NYC’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative in collaboration with NYC public schools is awe-inspiring.

Selma Jackson has worked and volunteered in different arenas, but her main focus is to uplift her community. Selma grew up in South Bronx with four sisters and currently lives in Bed-Stuy. She has worked as an airline reservationist, information chemist, health care coordinator, teacher, banker, and entrepreneur (co-founder of 4W Circle of Art & Enterprise). She volunteers with her church and community, currently chair of Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, Inc (AFCBI). In addition she is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to call out racism and sexism. If you see a door closed, find another one or create a door; you’d be surprised at what awaits you on the other side. Don’t be afraid to switch gears if you find what you studied in college is no longer your passion. Don’t put limits on your opportunities because you want to satisfy others! Remember to care for yourself, as you care for others

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023: I am proud of AFCBI receiving its 501(c)(3). I am proud of serving as moderator-elect for NYC Presbytery, where I participated in the installation of Rev Adriene Thorne, the first African American Female Pastor of Riverside Church. Also my creative writing class of older adults published its first book. In 2024 I will serve as moderator of NYC Presbytery and would like to create a strategic plan for Age Friendly.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Music by Samara Joy, Gregory Porter or Dianne Reeves, or a centennial celebration of Max Roach

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Brooklyn.org, formerly Brooklyn Community Foundation, is committed to providing funding to community organizations that include those who are being served in leadership positions. Empowering disadvantaged communities by inclusiveness is a game changer! Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, Inc (AFCBI) is creating a new model for serving older adults of the 21st century and I am so excited to not only be a beneficiary of their services, but also be part of the creation.

In 2019, Letitia “Tish” James became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman to be elected attorney general. Previously, Tish served as New York City public advocate, and also spent ten years representing the 35th District in the New York City Council. Throughout her time in public service, Tish has focused on fighting for justice, investigating bad actors, and standing up for vulnerable communities.  

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to stand strong and keep moving forward. I would stress that while the challenges ahead may seem daunting, the work at times draining, and hours may be long; it is all worth it. I would want my younger self to know that everything she is dealing with now will lead her to a place where she can protect the rights of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable.   

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am incredibly proud of everything my office has accomplished in the past year. We helped secure millions of dollars for New Yorkers, we removed more than 3,200 guns out of our communities, we stood up for better access to mental health care, and we showed that everyone is accountable under the law. Going into the new year, I look forward to building on these efforts as part of our continuing pursuit of justice. 

 Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
When I was younger, the book “Simple Justice: The History of Brown v. Board of Education and Black America’s Struggle for Equality” by Richard Kluger helped influence my views on civil rights and the need for a more just society. That’s why my first job out of law school was as a public defender, and I’ve spent every year since in public service. I hope that others will find this book just as impactful.  

Qween Jean founded Black Trans Liberation, an organization that aims to provide access and employment resources for the TGNC community. She organizes community events, protests and weekly mutual aid drives. In 2022 Qween wrote, “Revolution is Love”. In 2023 she joined the board for the Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and received an Obie Award for excellence in costume design. This year Qween was a finalist for The David Prize, which gives a $250,000 award to transform the city. She received an MFA from New York University, Tisch.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
This question resonates because so many of our younger selves have been denied access. The current law systems are actively working to dehumanize young trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people all together. But that will not stand. I would urge my younger self to sharpen all my tools for survival. The people in “power” will try to sideline, silence and suspend your gifts.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am grateful for my family and community who supported me during a targeted and brutal arrest by the NYPD. They tried to break us but evil only begets evil. In the new year I plan to continue creating affirming actions for our community. The beach day we organized this summer served as a pinnacle testimony for our liberation. We will continue to show up and exist just as we are; free!

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Absolutely Raquel Willis’ “The Risk It Takes To Bloom”! My sister Gia Love will be releasing an exclusive EP this year: @therealgialove

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Black Trans Liberation, Black Trans Travel Fund, Trans Asylias, G.L.I.T.S. Inc, The Okra Project, See Lighting Foundation, For the Gworls, Bridges 4 Life, KC Transforms

Hakeem Jeffries represents the diverse 8th Congressional District of New York, an area that encompasses large parts of Brooklyn. Rep. Jeffries is serving his sixth term in the United States Congress. Rep. Jeffries was unanimously elected the House Democratic Leader by his colleagues in November 2022. Prior to being the Democratic leader, he was the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in the 116th and 117th Congresses. He has played a major role in shaping the Congressional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rep. Jeffries has fought hard to assist state and local governments whose budgets have been devastated by the virus, pushed for an extension of the emergency unemployment benefit and supported efforts to keep everyday Americans in their homes.

Patrick B. Jenkins is the president and founder of Patrick B. Jenkins and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in strategic solutions for businesses and campaigns, government and community relations. He has more than 15 years of combined experience in community relations, government administration and public policy. The firm is considered one of the most well-connected in Albany, and Patrick Jenkins one of its most powerful lobbyists.

As an advocate, attorney, author, CEO and radio talk show host Jennifer Jones Austin has led and secured monumental changes in social policy, including unprecedented NYC charter changes to embed racial justice and equity in government functions and board of correction rules to end solitary confinement, all to strengthen and empower the disenfranchised and marginalized.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Trust and believe that your thoughts and ideas matter, and worry less what others think of them and you!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Advancing a true cost of living measure to inform policies and legislation affecting people who are struggling to make ends meet. I am looking forward to achieving the implementation of this measure.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” by Martin Luther King Jr. and “God in the Ghetto: A Prophetic Word Revisited” by William Augustus Jones Jr.

Camille Joseph Varlack is the chief of staff to the 110th mayor of New York City. Ms. Varlack previously served as the founding partner and former chief operating officer of a boutique litigation firm, deputy director of state operations and chief risk officer for New York State and is a former assistant district attorney in Kings County. Ms. Varlack earned her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and B.A. in english from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be patient with yourself. Life is a journey, not a sprint. Every moment presents an opportunity for learning. Trust your instincts – they will serve you well.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of sheltering tens of thousands of new-New Yorkers who came into the city’s care during the time of a global humanitarian crisis alongside an incredible team of public servants. In 2024, I look forward to building on that work. More broadly, I look forward to helping the administration continue to deliver on our key priorities for New Yorkers: public safety, economic opportunity, and livability.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Native Son” by Richard Wright, a classic

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The Seven Roses Legacy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Eta Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. They do incredible work in Brooklyn supporting youth through programming and scholarships.