Toni Yuille-William’s “Brooklyn Savvy Rewind” Debuts in Our Time Press

Brooklyn Savvy is celebrating its 20th season, and we are deeply honored to introduce fresh content alongside the “Brooklyn Savvy Rewind,” a special series that revisits pivotal past episodes. This approach is designed to engage new viewers with the critical conversations and thought-provoking positions that have defined Brooklyn Savvy over the years.

At its core, Brooklyn Savvy remains steadfast in its mission to challenge prevailing narratives, spark meaningful dialogue, and critically examine the cultural landscape with the goal of transforming hearts and minds.

Every other week, I will be collaborating with Our Time Press to bring you a comprehensive recap of the previous episode, along with a sneak peek trailer of what’s to come. This partnership aims to deepen your connection to the content and ensure you stay informed and inspired by the discussions we foster.
Last Week on Brooklyn Savvy….” Get Out the Vote”

In this compelling episode of Brooklyn Savvy, I joined Lurie Daniel Favor executive director of The Center of Law and Social Justice as we led an insightful discussion on the critical role of voting, with a sharp focus on its significance within communities of color. Kathleen Daniel, Chief Democracy Officer for New York City, brought the fire to the conversation as she delved deep into the systemic challenges that disproportionately impact these communities, such as voter disenfranchisement and a pervasive skepticism about the efficacy of our vote.

Kathleen Daniel brought her extensive experience to the table, shedding light on the tireless efforts of Democracy NYC to not only register voters but to activate and empower them to exercise their rights. She underscored the essential nature of showing up at the polls and the transformative power that informed voting can have on local and national levels.

The episode went beyond the surface, exploring the often-overlooked impact of local politics on the everyday lives of citizens. It stressed the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, and how these positions influence key issues that directly affect the community. Both Daniel and Daniel Favors emphasized the need for robust voter education to demystify the political process and empower citizens to make informed decisions.

In a powerful conclusion, the discussion turned to accountability, urging listeners to view elected officials through the lens of performance evaluations. The conversation made a compelling case for the necessity of holding those in power accountable, not just during election cycles, but continuously, ensuring that they serve the interests of the people with integrity and transparency.

This coming Sunday….”Brooklyn Savvy Rewind-Challenges in seeking an Education in NYC”
In this impactful episode of Brooklyn Savvy, we dive into the pressing challenges and stark disparities within New York City’s education system. Drawing from my own experience, I open the discussion with a poignant reflection on the decision to send my children to Catholic school due to the chronic underperformance of local public schools. This personal narrative sets the stage for a broader exploration of the systemic issues plaguing the city’s education landscape.

The conversation then takes an inspiring turn as it highlights the story of a determined school principal Nadia Lopez who, despite being on the brink of resignation due to overwhelming challenges, managed to lead a remarkable transformation of her school. This turnaround was catalyzed by a heartfelt post on the Humans of New York blog, which ignited a powerful fundraising campaign, raising an astonishing $1.4 million in just two weeks. The principal’s journey underscores the potential for change when communities rally together to support education.

Later in the episode we feature Nicole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize award-winning journalist, who early in her career was a writer for The New York Times. She provides a critical examination of the deeply entrenched segregation within New York City’s schools.

Hannah-Jones articulates the devastating impact this segregation has on Black and Latino students, who are often denied access to quality education and equitable resources. Hannah-Jones’ insights add a powerful layer to the conversation, revealing how historical and contemporary policies continue to perpetuate educational inequity.

The episode culminates in a compelling call to action, urging parents and community members to become vigilant about school zoning practices and their role in perpetuating segregation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy and awareness in challenging and dismantling the barriers that continue to marginalize students of color in the education system.