“First they took” is a short multimedia series focusing on the devastating lost of memorable & essential places in the Red Hook Community. The community located in the northwestern side of Brooklyn New York has continuously watched bits and pieces of their neighborhood turn into boarded up, vacant and grungy spaces.

First they took is a play on the poem by Martin Niemöller “First they came” that focuses on the consequence of people not speaking up until what is happening affects them personally, once it does they have no one to speak for them because everyone is G O N E.

Click here to listen to the creator and the community speak on the drastic changes that have occurred and are constantly occurring in Red Hook.https://youtu.be/hOiJnQA-9Xc

Keturah Williams (22), Sitting in front of what use to be her home of 22 years.

Andrea Mcknight, standing in front of what use to be Santander Bank.

Rebecca Williams-Fishburne, glancing at what use to be a lot filled with cars and shoppers.

Katherine Ortiz, poses in front of what use to be a Laundromat.

Aiden (8), with sister Peyton reminiscing on all the memories they had in this dirt filled lot that was once a playground.

Ayden (7), standing in front of the playground that helped him release stress after school.

Left to Right. Jay (7), Mia (6), Ian(4) and Cam(2).

Left to Right. Bryan (21) & Jon (24), stand in front of the toxic ball fields that have been closed due to lead contamination in the soil.

So what’s next? Stay up to date on the latest in our community! Get involved.

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