Support Jessica's Walk Right Project in Brooklyn

Hello! My name is Jessica, and I'm a Behavioral Scientist and Public Health Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in:

My project is designed to enhance the walkability of public spaces, particularly spaces across Brooklyn, NY. Walking down the sidewalk should be simple; however, it seems to be a growing issue in densely populated, gentrified cities and areas such as Brooklyn, NY. Walking–a daily activity–is often a nuisance for most Black people when others aren’t aware of the space they occupy. Have you ever had to stop in your tracks or begrudgingly move out of the way because someone, often White, doesn’t see or acknowledge your presence? From an early age, Black people are taught to monitor how they show up around White people and shrink the space they occupy. These efforts, amongst many, are meant to keep us “safe”, but have proven over time to be a fallacy. The requirement to center Whiteness has created cross-sector, trauma-filled environments where a simple activity, walking, can be an irritable and overwhelming experience.

As gentrification continues throughout Brooklyn, its neighboring boroughs, and in major cities across the country, "Walk Right" is a project that focuses on increasing Brooklyn's walkability while simultaneously educating the public on the impact a lack of spatial awareness can have on people of color, specifically Black people. Delivered through short, 30 to 60-second videos, “Walk Right” will highlight scenarios that allow the viewer to get a glimpse into the point-of-view of Black people as they navigate their commute down the sidewalks, subway stations, grocery stores, and more.