Memories Matter: Mapping

Join East New York Community Land Trust (ENYCLT) and the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) at the New Lots Library for the second part of our Memories Matter workshop series. We are sharing our East New York pride, and celebrating the history and character of the neighborhood through a community- and creative-based workshop. On Saturday June 22nd we will focus on indigenous history, place, and maps.

The first part will consist of history content and materials from CBH's archives relating to maps, infrastructure, and indigenous communities in the area and Brooklyn as a whole. It will include interactive discussions around the idea of space and place and their evolution and perception over time.

The second part will be a hands-on artistic activity and will be facilitated by local artist and ENYCLT member, Jamel Burgess. The activity will include working with maps and collaging to create and express our own identity in relation to place. 

Light refreshments, including coffee, will be provided. Registration for the workshop is encouraged, but not required!

Jamel Burgess is a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer based in Cypress Hills & East New York, Brooklyn. He has organized around school reform, improving education policy, and protecting East New York for 15 years, getting his start with the youth advocacy group, Future of Tomorrow. Through music production, Jamel explores musical lineage, sound manipulation, and hip-hop production. Jamel received a music production degree from Queensborough Community College before completing a self-directed degree centered in art and activism from The New School for Social Engagement in 2021. Jamel leads a community-based project "Archiving East New York," highlighting the beauty and history of the community, with a focus on the experience of people of color. As an arts and culture administrator, he works alongside youth and artists from across New York City. Jamel is committed to music and art as tools to educate youth and create community change.

PLEASE NOTE: this workshop is hosted in partnership with CBH but takes place at New Lots Library.