Peggy Alston discusses her experiences growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. She relates the importance of the arts in the development of children and adults, as well as the pedagogic philosophy of the Youth Arts Academy and her role as Director there. Alston observes the changes in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Restoration's role in its community. She also shows her appreciation for the arts in African-American culture and history. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, the artist Che Baraka recounts his childhood precocity in Jackson, Mississippi, where he became involved with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement that would later inform his work as an artist. Baraka recalls his escape from a culturally barren Jackson, Mississippi to join the arts scene of New York City, where he became situated within the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Baraka discusses his involvement with Restoration, where he worked as an arts teacher, administrator, curator, and exhibiting artist. Baraka explains his curatorial philosophy and the difficulties of financing public arts programs. He states his views on Bedford-Stuyvesant's culture circa 2008, his current arts projects; and his thoughts on Restoration's social role and legacy. Interview conducted by Peggy Alston.

Mary Burnett-Keller discusses her involvement with Restoration from 1967-1978 when her employer Owen Haige was made Director of Finance for Restoration. She recalls the social environment of Restoration's early years and its impact on the community citing the Home Improvement Program as its most successful and important endeavor. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Crystal Bobb-Semple remembers growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, and recounts childhood memories of Restoration. She discusses her decision to establish the Brownstone Books store, details the mentorship she's received from the Bedford-Stuyvesant Merchants' Association, shares her role in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business Improvement District, and considers capitalism as a means of community development. She speaks of the effects of revitalization efforts on gentrification, displacement, and multiculturalism. Bobb-Semple describes her career journey from an early start in child welfare services to her current occupation as a bookseller and promoter of literacy. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Edmon Braithwaite details the responsibilities he's shouldered as a civic-minded businessman, his thoughts on community service, and describes his role in founding the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants' Association of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Braithwaite explains the local Business Improvement District's goal of fostering an enticing shopping district to attract shoppers and support the neighborhood's economic revitalization. He discusses the benefits of prosperity and challenges charges of gentrification by citing a number of recent opportunities afforded local citizens by new small businesses. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Naeemah Brown discusses the small and deeply-interwoven African dance community of New York City. She talks of her connection to Restoration, and its impact on the lives of the residents of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Interview conducted by Anasa Scott.

Familiar with the reputation of Restoration, Sheila Brown had little interaction with the community development entity until participating in the financial skill-building workshops offered by Restoration. Brown discusses how attending the Wealth Building Tuesdays sessions was a boon to her money management abilities. Interview conducted by Bernice McRae.

In this interview, the singer, songwriter, actor, and playwright Ralph Carter discusses the historical roots of his childhood in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. He recalls the misunderstood nature of the Brownsville community, including the watchful eyes of vagrant people, and the cultural energy that encircled and influenced his development. He explains his religious or spiritual beliefs and social justice convictions. Carter lauds many of the important mentors in his career, with a particular emphasis on John Amos. Carter prescribes a didactic role for theater and the arts in providing positive Black role models to everyday Americans or depicting the horrors of drug addiction (as in the 1989 Judi Ann Mason play Donnie's House, in which Carter performed the leading role). He remembers the legacy of Restoration and its Billie Holiday Theatre for providing employment to Black performing artists, and intellectual entertainment for a Black audience. Carter expounds upon the importance of diversity in the theater, of cultural heritage institutions in early childhood development, and mentorship in artistic development. Interview conducted by Peggy Alston.

In this interview, Joel Dabu discusses his work in community revitalization with Restoration and its emphasis on commercial rehabilitation and the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business Improvement District. He shares his views on redlining, segregation, and the construction and availability of affordable housing -- as well as possible negative effects such as gentrification and displacement. Dabu discusses the role local government can play in supporting community entrepreneurship and the possible effects of the 2008 economic recession. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, David Danois describes his early involvement with Restoration as a staff architect. Danois discusses the workaday life at Restoration, challenges to affordable housing in Bedford-Stuyvesant and greater Brooklyn, and recent rapid increases in property values. He expresses his respect for the neighborhood's vibrancy and expresses optimism for its future. At the interview's end, Danois describes his current occupation as the owner of a small architecture firm which specializes in the development of affordable housing and condominiums in Brooklyn. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Seth Edwards discusses his own life story, and his family's history and genealogy. He provides impressions of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn of his youth. Edwards recounts Bedford-Stuyvesant's economic and cultural renaissance, and describes the essential role played by Restoration in the community's evolution, sharing his thoughts on the tension between economic development and gentrification. At the interview's end, Edwards describes JP Morgan Chase Bank's philanthropic strategy. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Dr. Josephine English relates stories from her life's history, including tales from her childhood and her career as a doctor. She details her experiences with sexism and racism, encountered during medical school and later, as a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist. She describes her achievements as an OB-GYN: Having delivered thousands of babies (including the six children of Malcom X and Betty Shabazz), and founding the Women's Health Center. Dr. English reflects on her community activism, including founding the Paul Robeson Theater, and the Adelphi Medical Center. She openly shares her personal opinions on the practice of medicine today as it relates to women and the indigent; her thoughts on modern social ills such as HIV, gentrification, and displacement; and her views on politics and religion. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Alan Fishman remembers growing up on the basketball courts of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, a period he recalls as important in his development. Fishman recounts Restoration's emergence from a time of financial challenges and discontinuity of leadership. He describes a collaboration between the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Restoration in the Dance Africa program, noting the rarity of such successful ventures. Fishman discusses the evolution of Bedford-Stuyvesant and the essential role played by cultural and leadership centers in the maintenance of a vibrant community. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Benjamin A. Glascoe remembers the racially integrated Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn of his youth; and details his education. Glascoe provides his impressions of Bedford-Stuyvesant in the 1960s. He recalls his different roles at Restoration. As the director of community programs, Glascoe revamped a problematic public sanitation program, installed youth programming, and created a successful jobs training program called the Home Improvement Program. Glascoe recounts an era of financial difficulty for Restoration, when the organization was penalized and significantly de-funded by the federal government because they had invested federal monies with the plan to use the proceeds as their operating budget. At one moment, Glascoe becomes emotional when remembering his son, the firefighter Keith Glascoe, who perished in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. Finally, Glascoe shares his optimism for Restoration's future. Interview conducted by Brian Purnell.

In this interview, Colvin Grannum, president of Restoration, speaks of his work at the Bridge Street Development Corporation (a community development corporation) and Restoration, and differentiates between faith-based and non-church-affiliated CDCs. He reminisces about growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, addresses the changes he's witnessed within the community, and discusses Restoration's role and opportunities in future development. He provides his thoughts on the United States' national politics and the 2008 presidential election. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Pamela Green, executive director of the Weeksville Heritage Center, provides a history of Weeksville, a post-enslavement community of free, land-owning African Americans founded circa 1838 in Brooklyn, New York. She tells of the discovery of Weeksville, the campaign for its conservation and preservation, and the establishment of the Heritage Center. She outlines Weeksville Heritage Center's plans for the development and expansion of public programming to provide a contemporary learning experience that emphasizes early post-enslavement African American culture and achievements. She names connections between the WHC and Restoration, outlays her idea of the proper role of community development corporations, and discusses the matriarchy of female Black community leaders in Brooklyn's recent history. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan with Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Theodore "Teddy" Gunn discusses his introduction to Restoration at its inception, in the 1960s. He describes the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and community of Brooklyn around that era, and how it's progressed over the last thirty years. Gunn calls its evolution, gentrification, and eventual inclusion of many races and peoples "totally American." He speaks of his thirty-two-year career with Restoration, and reflects on Restoration's role in shepherding community improvements via social, cultural, educational, and outreach programming. Gunn also describes his proudest achievements and legacy at Restoration. Interview conducted by Judith Anglin.

In this interview, Carla Javits discusses her father, Senator Jacob Javits, and his involvement in laying the groundwork for, and establishing, Restoration. She explains Restoration's role as an inspiration for other community development corporations (CDCs), as well as the necessity of federal financial support for the success of CDCs. At the interview's end, Javits touches on her current professional and philanthropic activities in non-profit organizations concerned with human development. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Noah Katz relates his family's early interest in opening a Super FoodTown grocery store inside the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn's Restoration Plaza. He recounts the effort to renovate the location's footprint from its previous incarnation into a larger, upscale version -- a feat which Katz served as general contractor and completed in ninety days. Katz reflects on the importance of grocery stores in close-knit communities and counts the benefits of strong supermarkets: They are a local source of employment, a place to encounter neighbors, and of course, a convenient location in which to purchase groceries. Katz enumerates his family's charitable contributions to the Bedford-Stuyvesant community, including donations to Restoration. Finally Katz tells of his work with the Fulton-Nostrand Merchant's Association, in which he and his family are active participant members, and his work with the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business Improvement District (BID). Katz served as the co-chairman of that BID's campaign committee. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Thomas Keller speaks with his colleague and friend, Wendell Rice. Keller recounts his early start with Restoration, which he joined in the year of its incorporation. Keller describes the thirty-year evolution of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, which was heavily influenced by Restoration's social, cultural, and economic interventions. Keller lists people he considers indispensable leaders in the founding and direction of Restoration and the Bedford-Stuyvesant community as a whole. At the interview's end, Keller envisions his hopes for the neighborhood's future, including increased home ownership, well-worn pathways to higher education -- including college and vocational training -- and support for young entrepreneurs. Interview conducted by Wendell Rice.

In this telephone interview, Martine Lalanne describes the impact Restoration's Dance Theater Junior Company has had on her daughter's life. She discusses the program's emphasis on community-building and positive role-modeling for children, and her hopes for its future. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Elania Lanier describes her connection to Restoration, as well as changes she's observed both at Restoration and with the community in the greater Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. She discusses the positive impact Restoration's Youth Arts Academy (YAA) has had on her daughter, Kourtney Charles, and the YAA as a holistic support network for both youth and their parents. She compares Restoration with other cultural institutions. Lanier relates her fears for gentrification and displacement in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Interview conducted by Peggy Alston.

In this interview, Wadiya Latif, a long-time employee of Restoration, shares memories from Restoration's earliest years. She remembers the Home Improvement Program and the mortgage pool, officially named the Restoration Funding Corporation. Latif recalls Restoration's loss of funding from the Special Impact Program, and describes the organization's evolving goals as it navigated a new reality of reduced federal funding, including a period of layoffs. Latif recounts the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn's culture circa 1971, an accidental shooting that left her son paralyzed, her conversion to Sunni Islam, and discusses the lives of her three children. At the interview's end, Latif reflects on the importance of voting and healthy political leaders, particularly at the highest levels of government. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Dr. Stuart Lewis describes his personal activist mission, his interest in capital formation and the eradication of poverty, the economic state of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and greater Brooklyn, and his time with Youth in Action in the 1960s. He discusses the initial division in duties between Restoration and the Bedford-Stuyvesant Development and Services Corporation, and reviews why his last act as Chairman merged the two divisions. He tells the history of Weeksville and its discovery. Lewis recounts the African American contributions to a diverse community and states the role of arts and culture in society. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, the businessman Hardy Joe Long recounts his role in the community of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn as a merchant and active participant in the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association. He enumerates different changes he's seen in the community over the past over fifty years, including racial mixing, economic development, and a cultural renaissance. Long lists different contributions heralded by Restoration, including support for small businesses via the backing of the Merchants Association. He tells of an impoverished childhood in North Carolina, and the ambition that drove him to own a business in New York City -- a dream that was enabled by Restoration's revolving loan fund. At the interview's end, Long details the Merchants Association's campaign to establish the Bedford-Stuyvesant Gateway Business Improvement District. Interview conducted by Bernadette Mitchell.

In this interview, Bernice McCrae recalls her start at Restoration and subsequent move to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. A Restoration employee for over thirty years, McCrae says Restoration is the only true employer she's ever had. McCrae describes three decades of the neighborhood's evolution; much of it greatly influenced by the social, cultural, and economic interventions spearheaded by Restoration. In great detail, she discusses her position in Restoration's small business loan foundation, capital fund, and entrepreneurship education. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Roderick "Rocky" Mitchell provides his brief biography, and details his introduction to Restoration. Mitchell spends a portion of the interview praising and thanking colleagues, board members, and financial donors who were influential in his tenure's successes. Mitchell alleges that his presidency's great achievement was its transition from being largely government supported to being mostly independently funded. He says the era of traditional community development corporations, which survive by "government largesse" have died, and proposes the necessity that such non-profits be run with the ethos and discipline of for-profit companies. Mitchell touches on other accomplishments, including profitable ventures with Pathmark, which funded a donation to the Weeksville Heritage Center. Interview conducted by Clarence Stewart with Sady Sullivan.

In this telephone interview, James Pickman describes his path to serving as Restoration's general counsel during its early years, from 1972 to 1977. Pickman provides brief biographical notes, including on his schooling and early career. He discusses the physical and political climate of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn circa 1972, remembering an area in need of physical rejuvenation, employment opportunities, entrepreneurial incubation, and the repeal of government and business policies that oppressed many of Bedford-Stuvyesant's residents – including redlining. Pickman candidly recalls a segregated and paternalistic relationship between Restoration and its early twin corporation, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Development and Services Corporation. He describes the nature of Board work at Restoration, including cultivating alliances with corporate, lending, and government institutions; and reflects on Restoration's legacy and influence on future community development corporations. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, David Ramnauth discusses his motivation for starting a business; he says the family's entrepreneurial spirit began in their hometown of Leguan, Guyana, where his mother started a donkey-cart vending venture. Ramnauth says that in America, the Ramnauths turned to licensed street vending to subsidize the high cost of living; but by saving their money, they eventually purchased Big Brother's Discount Hardware and Appliance. Ramnauth discusses the pros and cons of merchants' associations, business improvement districts, and gentrification. Ramnauth tells of his philanthropic philosophy, and reflects on the decline of the American small business. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Wendell Rice describes his early career, including experiences with racial discrimination within city employment in the 1960s; and his path to employment with Restoration. He recalls prime moments in his career as a community organizer, including his essential involvement with the superblocks program to rezone urban residential streets. He details work as a youth organizer, including the removal of heroin addicts from neighborhood streets, and the education of children at risk of gang affiliation. Near the interview's end, Rice explains the Weatherization Assistance Program, including its mission, customers, day-to-day operations, and technology-centric future. Interview conducted by Brian Purnell.

In part one of the interview, Elsie Richardson discusses the founding of the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council (CBCC) in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. She recalls the 1966 walking tour of Bedford-Stuyvesant with Senators Kennedy and Javits, a key event in the formation of Restoration. She remembers Restoration's early years, including the initial cleavage between Restoration and the Bedford-Stuyvesant Development and Services Corporation. Richardson reminisces about the archaeological discovery of the town of Weeksville, a post-slavery African American settlement in Brooklyn. She offers thoughts on today's school system and youth culture, as well as life in Brooklyn circa the 1960s. Richardson's granddaughter and great grandson join the conversation in later moments. The last few minutes comprise part two, conducted via telephone. Richardson shares behind-the-scenes classism and sexism at the time of Restoration's founding. Interview conducted by Deborah Jones with Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Assemblywoman Annette Robinson speaks of her long ties to Restoration, and the impact it's had on the local community. She reminisces about the idyllic Bedford-Stuyvesant of her youth, during a time when the community was protective of its children, and neighbors closely watched community goings-on. Robinson describes the necessity of programs that increase children's sense of self-worth and personal expectations, particularly those in the arts and education, and workforce development and jobs training for teenagers. Robinson maintains close ties with a number of international municipalities; for instance in Brazil, Panama, and South Africa. She describes the importance of cooperative learning programs in uncovering novel solutions to shared problems. At the interview's end, Robinson reflects on her motivations as a politician, and reveals that her original life dream was to be a professional dancer. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, James Robinson recites the many roles of Restoration in the community of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Robinson says Restoration's successes in community development are evident in the gentrification that has swept through the neighborhood, but voices dismay at the displacement this has caused for some indigenous residents. Robinson describes an idyllic Brooklyn childhood, with public school students competitive for grades in the classroom and for points on the playground; and remembers teachers comporting themselves with authority and dignity, and a time when parents commanded respect. Robinson details his first interactions with Restoration and his eventual position as its vice president of physical development (succeeding James E. Shipp). He lists key leaders, community organizations, and funding organizations who helped during his tenure, and names a number of accomplishments of which he believes Restoration should be proud. He describes the practice of redlining, saying Restoration combatted the practice, making it easier for residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant to get loans. Robinson says physical development alone is not sufficient in a community's development, but should be accompanied by arts education, cultural activities, and encouragement for entrepreneurs. Interview conducted by Doris Rowley-Hoyte.

In this four-hour interview, Dr. Regent Adelaide Sanford discusses her life's history, beginning with her recollection of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn in the 1930s and during the Great Depression, and recounts a number of personal stories involving segregation and Jim Crow laws. Sanford recalls the foundation of Restoration, including its early effects on the neighborhood's African American citizens. Throughout the interview, Sanford openly discusses her personal opinions about the state of race in America in 2008, her achievements as an activist, and the reasons she was particularly successful. She shares her thoughts on her tenure with the Board of Regents, Ebonics in schools, the 2008 U.S. presidential election, and corruption in politics. Sanford discusses her personal life; her courtship and marriage, her diagnosis of and treatment for breast cancer, her affection for the African country of Ghana (where she was crowned a Queen Mother), and her Christian religious beliefs. Interview conducted by Laurie Cumbo and Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Ron Shiffman remembers the nascence of what became Restoration. He provides background information, tells of its involvement with the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council, which spearheaded its initial plan, and their fated introduction to U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Shiffman recounts Kennedy's historic tour of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn; the founding of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Renewal and Rehabilitation Corporation and the schism that birthed Restoration. Shiffman provides his opinion on the role that racism, sexism, and classism played in Bedford-Stuyvesant politics of the 1960s. Shiffman discusses the problems with reliance on federal funding for community development corporations (CDCs), and discusses Restoration's succession of presidents, noting their individual legacies. Shiffman discusses his work as a consultant to CDCs worldwide, particularly in South Africa. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan with Kate Fermoile.

In this interview, James E. Shipp provides a short biography of his professional career, beginning with his time as a youth gang counselor in Chicago's juvenile justice system. He describes the realization that juvenile delinquency is caused by dysfunctional community systems, and his determination to build healthier urban communities. Shipp details his path to Restoration; laying out Restoration's essential role and functions. Shipp details Restoration's evolution as an institution, lists its successes in human and capital investment, and advocates for the confinement of its activities to housing renovation and commercial development. At the interview's end, Shipp reflects on Restoration's legacy and major successes, and gives an optimistic prognosis of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn's economic future. Interview conducted by Judith Anglin.

In this interview, Juan Solano, owner of Solano Optical, reflects on his personal journey as an entrepreneur, which began with his first job as a shipping clerk at an optician's office and ended with the purchase of a mixed-use building which provided Solano a stable storefront, residential rental income, and a family home. At some points, Solano becomes emotional as he describes his experiences, including ups and downs such as the loss of five different stores due to rising rents, non-renewed leases, and recession. Solano describes the United States healthcare system as broken, citing the managed care system as a chief example. He speaks at length about his own lenses, which are transition bifocals. Solano voices his experiences with major crime: scuffles with illegal vendors of counterfeit and stolen goods; being victimized by gang activity; and suffering an armed robbery. Near the interview's end, Solano discusses the perks of membership in the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association and other forms of leadership in the local business community. In the final minutes, Solano intolerantly refers to the nearby Hasidic Jewish community. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Eva Southerland describes her early life in Florida, her move to New York City, and eventual move to Brooklyn in search of affordable housing. She details her career in non-profits. Southerland recalls the positions she served at Restoration, its work culture, and the organization after the retirement of corporation president Franklin Thomas. She shares her thoughts on Restoration's longevity; discusses its outreach programming for housing, children, and arts education; and evaluates its impact on the community of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, John Southerland discusses his 1964 relocation from North Carolina to New York City in search of employment and his wife Eva Southerland's involvement with Restoration. Southerland observes the changes to the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn; in particular, rising housing costs. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this short interview, Delwyn Stanton-Gilkes describes the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn; its residents, culture, and changes -- such as gentrification and racial mixing -- brought on by economic development. He discusses his life's association with Restoration's Youth Arts Academy, and the impact it's had on his life. Interview conducted by Anasa Scott.

In this interview, Franklin Thomas discusses the inception and early years of Restoration. He evaluates the unique nature of Restoration and its ideals as an organization. Thomas judges the importance of community involvement in Restoration specifically and the role of community development corporations. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Honorable William C. Thompson, Sr., discusses the founding and earliest days of Restoration. He recalls his colleagues Franklin Thomas and Robert F. Kennedy. Justice Thompson evaluates the difference between Restoration and other community organizations (namely, that Restoration did not operate under the aegis of the Office of Economic Opportunity). He recounts Restoration's efforts in job creation and describes changes occurring in Brooklyn and the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, circa 2008. At the interview's end, Thompson reminisces about his early life and the Brooklyn neighborhoods he has called home, including Brooklyn Heights. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Patricia Valdes and Wendell Rice discuss the substantial repairs performed on Valdes' home by Restoration's Weatherization Program. Valdes details her home's condition prior to repair and discusses her experience with the Weatherization Program, from the application process through the completion of construction. Valdes was unable to afford the repairs, which were appraised at over twenty thousand dollars. Restoration's Weatherization Program performed this work; which included the installation of a new roof, its insulation, removal of her neighbor's chimney which had fallen onto her property, installation of two windows, air sealing, hot-water wrapping, and upgrading of her water boiler. Interview conducted by Wendell Rice.

In this first of two interviews, Albert Vann details his early career as an educator, his start as a school teacher, and rise into administration. He describes his involvement in the "civil rights movement of education," founding the Negro Teacher's Association (now the African American Teacher's Association), organizing Black teachers, and involving parents. He discusses his personal political history, his relationship to Restoration as an elected official and community member, and funding sources and problems with funding. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this second of two interviews, Albert Vann recounts the 1960s-era Civil Rights Movement and his decision to found the Negro Teachers Association (now the African American Teachers Association). Vann remembers the founding of Restoration. He notes the institution's legacy programming; housing, social outreach, education, jobs training, and physical development services. Vann describes the 2008-era Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn as so entrenched in income inequality that it is almost "like two cities," and remarks on the difficulties of presiding over an area of distinct income inequality. Vann lists female political leaders who've influenced his life, details his start in politics, describes his electoral base, and comments on his first few years in elected office. At the interview's end, Vann provides some insight into his family's background and remarks on his personal life. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Robert Walsh, then-Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), discusses his personal history as a resident of Brooklyn and civil servant, noting biographer Jack Newfield's memoir of Robert Kennedy as particularly influential in Walsh's own life. He notes collaborative projects of the SBS and Restoration. Walsh notes past work experiences that prepared him for work in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, including his time leading the Union Square Partnership; and cites 2008-era evidence of revitalization, and says his role is to encourage entrepreneurship and public-private cooperation. He reflects on the sometimes tense relationship between urban renewal, gentrification, displacement, and affordable housing. Walsh discusses a number of public-sector vehicles for neighborhood improvement, including new market tax credits, subsidies, and capital investment. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

Thomas H. Watkins, founder, owner, and publisher of the New York Daily Challenge, begins this interview with a short history of each of his three newspapers. He shares his views on the value of entrepreneurship for Black residents of Brooklyn, including the power to uplift from poverty. He remembers the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn of his youth, noting the relationship between churches, education, and social mobility. Watkins discusses Bedford-Stuyvesant's history of community activism, and shares historical details from the actions of the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council, the founding of Restoration, and the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. He expounds upon the importance of First Amendment rights and press freedoms, and the relationship between marketing and the media. He shares his disdain for both public and parochial school systems, citing racism as one of its endemic problems. In conclusion, Watkins shares his prognosis of Restoration's legacy and his hopes for its future. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this interview, Aricka Westbrooks describes the process she went through to finance her quick order fried turkey restaurant, which was enabled through Restoration's revolving capital fund. She describes her current work as an entrepreneur, and imagines what she might have done if she hadn't received a Restoration small business loan. Interview conducted by Bahati Williams.

In this interview, Randy Weston remembers his first performance at the Billie Holiday Theatre. He discusses the importance of music in African-American history. Weston recalls a number of influential musicians he has known and collaborated with throughout his life. He identifies several musicians and family members in a photograph, as well as a poster from a performance at the Billie Holiday Theatre. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this short interview, David Williams describes his involvement with Restoration's Youth Arts Academy, where he is a student of African drums. Williams discusses the impact arts education has had on his life, and reflects on arts programming in general. He talks about changes he's seen in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn and recalls his move several miles south to East Flatbush. Interview conducted by Anasa Scott.

Wayne C. Winborne begins this interview with a discussion of the socio-economic difficulties faced by inner-city African Americans, and reflects on the roles of economic development and cultural education in eradicating the cycle of poverty. Winborne describes his own ambitious youth; including his education at Stanford University and his move to Brooklyn, New York, where he developed youth programs. He details his path to serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Restoration. Winborne describes cultural changes in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn since 1988, many of them ushered in by Restoration. Winborne speaks of an era of financial difficulty, and shares his views on necessary financial and programming measures. At the interview's end, Winborne lists members of Restoration's Board of Directors who have enriched his life, and expresses his enthusiasm for Restoration's next forty years. Interview conducted by Jako Borren.

In this interview, Dr. Lester Young, Jr. discusses his current connection and involvement with Restoration and its role in the African-American civil rights movement. Young talks about housing affordability, gentrification, and his concerns for the future of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. He looks at the role of arts education in young peoples' lives. Young recalls his own public school education and his training as a young educator in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Young also speaks about school violence and solutions. He focuses on Restoration's roles in shutting down the "prison pipeline" for young Black men and enabling "total" human development; spanning jobs, arts, housing, education, and emotional maturity. He remembers the role his father, the famous jazz musician Lester Young, had on his life. Interview conducted by Sady Sullivan.

In this trio of interviews, three narrators who purchased their first homes with aid from Restoration's home ownership program discuss the process of purchasing their homes. They describe their neighborhood in Brooklyn as entering the beginning phases of gentrification. The narrators also discuss their relationship with Restoration. Interviews conducted by Bahati Williams.