Projects
Long history of segregation has caused educational inequities on Long Island
By Maya Brown
Two towns right next to each other dramatically differ in environment, demographics and socioeconomic status, but it doesn’t stop there. It is also evident in education. The difference in economic power also has an impact on the money school districts receive and the quality of the education on both sides of the tracks.
New York City’s congestion toll plan could bring negative effects to the South Bronx — a community that is already vulnerable
By Maya Brown
The MTA’s Environmental Assessment released earlier this August revealed that Bronx residents and environmental justice advocates were concerned regarding potential effects on traffic, air quality and noise in the Bronx area as a result of congestion pricing. While Midtown Manhattan is expected to benefit from congestion pricing, the Bronx would potentially be negatively impacted — a lower-income and heavily minority community of more than 1.4 million residents that is already vulnerable.
Jackson residents continue to face issues with water system amid controversial flood control project and limited funding
By Maya Brown
Bathing, cooking, cleaning, washing your hands, brushing your teeth, flushing the toilet and hydrating — these are all tasks in which water is needed. Residents in Jackson, Mississippi have to often live in a reality where they are unable to perform any of these tasks.
New York City’s Little Mexico pays homage to hard-working women who immigrated with a dream
By Maya Brown
Women have built a strong sense of community in the streets that are full of colorful Mexican flags, carts of yellow corn mixed with mayo and chili powder and huge plastic jars of horchata, hibiscus juice and mango juice waiting to be poured into cups. Women can be found buying churros for their children, men speaking in Mayan on the sidewalk and people using tongs to select what orejas, cuernos and conchas to place on their trays at the bakery. But most importantly, one will find love, respect and pride radiating from the Mexican members of the community.
Racist beauty standards leave communities of color more exposed to harmful chemicals
By Maya Brown
The idea of perfection is a disease of this nation — it’s a social construct that has negatively affected women of various communities. The concept of perfection in the United States tends to lean towards Eurocentric beauty standards: fair skin, straight hair and blue eyes. This is causing harm and serious health issues for Black women who feel they have to have those characteristics to be accepted.
Maya Brown 