Build Up Justice: Blog

The Story Behind Two Wolves Tavern

For nearly a decade, Nicholas Bafia dreamed of opening a game store. He envisioned a place where people could come together, make friends, and share their love of games. That dream became a reality when Nicholas teamed up with his

The oldest bar in NYC avoids its

Loycent “Loy” Gordon owns Neir’s Tavern, one of the longest-operating bars in the United States and debated as the oldest in New York City. Located in Woodhaven Queens, Neir’s recently celebrated its 190th year of operations. It was the setting for

Earlier this week, you met Demetrius, lifelong organizer and President of the Tenant Association (TA) in his Bushwick apartment building. With Brooklyn A’s help, the TA successfully took ownership of the building, hired a new property management company to manage the

Using power in numbers to claim fair housing rights.

Demetrius, a native New Yorker with family roots in tenants’ rights, has lived in his Bushwick apartment for 17 years. “My mother raised me knowing the importance of diversity and exercising your rights. She was an activist for tenants’ rights

Risking eviction or risking sickness?

Earlier this week, we met Angela, a single mother who, when threatened with eviction, fought for over a year alongside her Brooklyn A attorney to ensure she and her children could stay in their home in Crown Heights. We checked

Black Lives Matter.

Dear Brooklyn A Family: We are in the midst of a moral moment for this country, as an organization and as individuals. The murders in recent weeks of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and other Black community members

Brooklyn is the only home that Angela has ever known. She has been through many ups and downs alongside her friends and neighbors in Crown Heights and values her apartment, where she has lived with her children for over 18 years.

Tragedy, challenges, and even more reasons to unite

Earlier this week, you met William, president of the 101 Lincoln Road tenant association . He fought for years alongside Brooklyn A attorneys and organizers to get critical repairs and fair rent for himself and his neighbors in their Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Earlier this week, you met Tammeca Rochester, the owner and founder of Harlem Cycle , Harlem’s 1st and only indoor cycling studio, for whom Brooklyn A fought to secure a fair, long-term lease for a second location in her community. We