This first segment is a concise and to the point exposé of Brooklyn via social advocate and artist, Michael Stewart; he also happens to be my cousin. Michael was born and raised in Washington, D.C. but lived, worked, and studied post-graduately New York City.
I interviewed Mike on just some general interest situations on what his urban experience has been like moving between the American Northeast, South, and Mid-Atlantic. Here's what he had to say:
Me: What do you think of Brooklyn holistically?
Mike: It's a cool place to visit.
Me: You were raised in Washington, DC. You attended university in Greensboro, NC. You attended graduate school and worked a few years in and around the Brooklyn and New York City area. How was your experience living there different from the other cities that you have also resided in?
Mike: Living in DC is natural for me. Greensboro was hard for me to adjust to because it wasn't much I could identify with coming from a more aggressive urban culture. Greensboro had a slower pace which gave me some peace and comfort. I never thought about living in New York until I experienced the fast pace of the city [when I came for school].
Me: Even coming from DC, NY was a definite lifestyle adjustment for you.
Me: What was your favorite part of the Brooklyn? Why?
Mike: I like Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hills. I like the block layouts, restaurants, culture and entertainment, etc. For me, each neighborhood has its own culture. I like how Bed-Stuy has/had a strong African-American presence. It reminds/reminded me of DC.
Me: Last question; would you move back to Brooklyn?
Mike: Only for the right job and salary.
Check out this short video shot and edited by yours truly while Mike was in town for a quick weekend:
Things Remembered pt 1 Brooklyn from Keilon L. on Vimeo.
I interviewed Mike on just some general interest situations on what his urban experience has been like moving between the American Northeast, South, and Mid-Atlantic. Here's what he had to say:
Me: What do you think of Brooklyn holistically?
Mike: It's a cool place to visit.
Me: You were raised in Washington, DC. You attended university in Greensboro, NC. You attended graduate school and worked a few years in and around the Brooklyn and New York City area. How was your experience living there different from the other cities that you have also resided in?
Mike: Living in DC is natural for me. Greensboro was hard for me to adjust to because it wasn't much I could identify with coming from a more aggressive urban culture. Greensboro had a slower pace which gave me some peace and comfort. I never thought about living in New York until I experienced the fast pace of the city [when I came for school].
Me: Even coming from DC, NY was a definite lifestyle adjustment for you.
Me: What was your favorite part of the Brooklyn? Why?
Mike: I like Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hills. I like the block layouts, restaurants, culture and entertainment, etc. For me, each neighborhood has its own culture. I like how Bed-Stuy has/had a strong African-American presence. It reminds/reminded me of DC.
Me: Last question; would you move back to Brooklyn?
Mike: Only for the right job and salary.
Lunch in '67 Burger
Fort Greene street scene
Neighborhood essentials
Check out this short video shot and edited by yours truly while Mike was in town for a quick weekend:
Things Remembered pt 1 Brooklyn from Keilon L. on Vimeo.
