[author: Tanya Dempsey]

Residents in public housing are resilient, despite the overwhelming obstacles that they face every day. Public housing has been home to many inspiring stories of success for individuals and families. Put simply, the people of public housing are strong and irrepressible. Through the mediums of still photography and journalism, Rico Washington and Shino Yanagawa, show the complexities of living in public housing where residents struggle with self-identity, stigma, and success.

Both Rico and Shino lived in public housing and were inspired by the nomination of the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, who lived in public housing, to the Supreme Court. They wanted to debunk the myths concerning public housing, inspire a new generation, and share stories of aspirational families, and individuals that struggled but, persevered and became successful.

Their project, We The People: The Citizens of NYCHA in Photos + Words, examines the hardships of residents living in New York City’s Housing Authority sites. It features interviews and photographs of such notable former NYCHA residents as Hip-Hop artist/ actor Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def); author/ filmmaker/ cultural critic Nelson George; lauded photographer Jamel Shabazz; Young Lords co-founder/ original Last Poets member/ Emmy award-winning news reporter Felipe Luciano; venerable jazz musician/ recording artist Olu Dara; author/ Emmy award-winning filmmaker Dennis Watlington; Hip-Hop artist/ music industry CEO Buckshot;  Hip-Hop icon Afrika Bambaataa, and many more.

It is a celebration of the resiliency of public housing residents, through acknowledging and understanding that their struggles are real but that positive futures and overcoming those challenges are possible.

Tanya S. Dempsey is a Vice President at CSG Advisors. Ms. Dempsey brings extensive knowledge of public housing finance and experience implementing transformational programs at public housing authorities and city agencies. Prior work experience include the New York City Housing Authority, the nation’s largest public housing authority and the New York City Housing and Preservation Department (NYC HPD), the City’s affordable housing and real estate development agency. In those roles, Ms. Dempsey worked on operating and capital budgets, developed long term strategic plans, spearheaded major financial transactions, and led NYCHA’s Choice Neighborhoods program.