Brick City Voices Project
This project was created to preserve and share the rich history of our community through the personal stories and perspectives of its residents. By capturing these narratives, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of Newark's diverse culture, history, and the individuals who have shaped it. Today, we'll share highlights from our interviews and discuss the importance of local storytelling in preserving our community's heritage.
Project Creators from Newark high schools across the city (ages 14-18):
Naazhir, Ya-Zahir, Nicol, Mahlia, Joesph, Thairen, Tawan, Al-Zhamir, Giselle, Jahnasia
Project Partners: Newark Stories & the Community Media Center at Express Newark
Your story matters.
You are history.
“So when we would go outside and play, there was always calling security on us, always calling the cops on us. Always get in trouble for running through the grass or sitting in a gazebo and being accused of being a gang, and if I wasn't walking with my mother to church, people thought I didn't live there, and called the security on me. So you kind of get to see people trying to have something different, take care of it, but not really know who their neighbors were, and not how to interact with kids well.
Sheikia “Purple Haze” Norris
In this conversation, participants share their experiences and perspectives on hip-hop culture and identity in Newark, New Jersey. They discuss how hip-hop has been used as a means of expression and storytelling, highlighting themes of love, family, and social issues. Speakers also share their experiences and insights on growing up in Newark, navigating gentrification, and discovering their voice and purpose through hip-hop. They emphasize the importance of community empowerment, self-awareness, and respecting the hip-hop culture and scene in their hometown.
Interviewed by Nahiyyah W and Joseph L.
“Newark was always known for its businesses. Years ago, there were so many black businesses, so that's a different change that we don't see Springfield Avenue, Avon Avenue, Clinton Avenue, Chancellor Avenue, all those were black-owned businesses. We took pride in our city and after the riots in 1967 we tore our city up, and the ones that had to bear the brunt of that is us, so we kind of like ruined it for us, but Newark always had it going on, so we just got to get it back there.”
Tamika Darden-Thomas “Newark’s Baby”
Tamika Darden Thomas (narrator) and Joseph L (interviewer) shared personal experiences and perspectives on overcoming challenges in Newark's communities. They emphasized the need for support from God and others to overcome adversity and highlighted the importance of investing in housing, education, and community development. Tamika also discussed their experiences in community leadership and social justice work, emphasizing the importance of setting an example and addressing issues of sexism and racism. They expressed concern about America's intentions and the effects of poverty on education and other essentials in their community.
“I want this to be a city that is inclusive to all of us that are that are born and raised here, that we don't have to leave if we don't want to, not because we feel like we're being pushed out or we can't afford it. I want the city to feel safer, you know, for all of us, I want the city to feel more like a home to all of us, and instead of people growing up and saying, you know, I want to. I want to. I can't wait to get out. I want to make it out. I want to build our city like I can't wait to start hearing when kids are like. Do you want to do it like I just want to get out, I just want to get out, or I just want to buy a house here, or I just want to I want to change the narrative of how we feel about our city because I feel a different way, and I want more people to start to feel how I feel." This quote from Jennifer Made eloquently expresses her desire for Newark to be an inclusive, safe, and welcoming city for those who were born and raised there, rather than a place people feel they have to leave”.
Jennifer Made
Jennifer Made (narrator) shares personal stories as a Newark resident, highlighting the importance of preserving diverse histories and recognizing the contributions of all residents. She discusses community engagement efforts, including giving back to their high school and elementary school, and shares their family's migration story. Jennifer also shares about community projects and mentoring organizations, emphasizing the importance of education in addressing social issues.
Interviewer: Al-Zhamir