Our Mission
Rise Up East New York is an action movement with a mission to mobilize community residents and bring together unconventional partners within East New York and the surrounding neighborhoods. We are a unique community led and driven movement devoted to achieving a better health and quality of life for everyone in our great community, with its great heritage and bright future.
Who We Serve
At Rise Up East New York, we proudly serve individuals and families across the diverse community of East New York, Brooklyn and its surrounding neighborhoods who are seeking to improve their health and well-being. Our mission is to assist those who face barriers to accessing quality health resources, including underserved populations and marginalized groups such as senior citizens and at-risk youth. By partnering with comprehensive wellness programs, and providing preventative health education and support services, we aim to empower the people of East New York to lead healthier lives and foster a sense of community wellness. Our commitment extends to addressing both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that everyone we serve has the opportunity to achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Who We Are
Ashley Govan, RYT200, CHW
Administrative Assistant
More is lost in indecision than the wrong decision. Make the choice to change your life and don’t look back. It may not be easy, but it is always worth it.”
Lisa Baxter
Health Campaign Manager
It has always been in my heart to help others. I want to make a difference and be that difference.”
David Amon
Community Outreach Specialist
My passion is to enhance the quality of life of people whom I encounter through my journey in this life. Each day gives us another opportunity to grow.”
Crystal Matthews, RN, MPA
Director of Community Nursing, Health Education and Screening
Barry H. Smith, MD PhD
President
My long-term commitment remains unleashing the untapped power of the people themselves everywhere to achieve better health and quality of life. The maintenance of wellness, as opposed to treating established illness, is critical, as is the recognition that health in its total sense is a product of society and not simply biology.”
Culture
The culture of East New York, Brooklyn, is shaped by its diverse and predominantly Black and Latino population, creating a rich blend of traditions, music, food, and community values. Influences from African American, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Central American cultures are deeply embedded in daily life. This multicultural environment manifests through vibrant street art, block parties, and neighborhood gatherings that celebrate heritage and unity.
Music plays a big role in the community, with hip-hop, reggaeton, salsa, and reggae being popular genres. Many local artists and musicians contribute to the neighborhood’s cultural scene, often reflecting the struggles and resilience of the residents in their art. Religious faith is also important in East New York, with many churches and places of worship that serve as community hubs for social support, education, and activism.
Despite challenges like poverty and crime, there’s a strong sense of community pride and mutual support among residents. Local initiatives, youth programs, and grassroots movements focused on housing, education, and safety highlight the neighborhood’s commitment to uplifting one another. The food culture is also diverse, with restaurants and food vendors offering everything from soul food to Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, reflecting the culinary diversity of the area.
Community resilience, cultural diversity, and pride in heritage define much of the cultural identity of East New York.
Demographics
East New York, a neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn, is one of the most diverse areas in New York City with a rich, warm history and culture. Historically a working-class area, it has a predominantly Black and Latino population, around 180,000 residents. The largest ethnic groups are African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans, with growing numbers of Caribbean and Central American immigrants. In recent years, East New York has also seen an influx of Asian and South Asian residents. The area has relatively high poverty rates and lower household incomes compared to other parts of Brooklyn, with a significant portion of the population living in public housing.
%
African American
%
Hispanic
%
Asian
%
White
History
East New York, Brooklyn, has a rich and complex cultural history shaped by waves of immigration and community development. Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, the area began to change significantly in the 19th century with the arrival of European immigrants, including Germans and Irish. The construction of the elevated subway in the early 20th century further accelerated development, making the neighborhood more accessible.
By the mid-20th century, East New York became a center for African American and Caribbean populations, which infused the area with vibrant cultural expressions, from music and art to culinary traditions. However, the neighborhood faced significant challenges in the late 20th century, including economic decline and urban disinvestment, leading to issues like crime and poverty.
In recent years, East New York has experienced revitalization efforts, with community organizations working to preserve its cultural heritage while promoting development and social equity. The blend of cultures, historic architecture, and community resilience continues to define East New York today.
Thomas Jefferson High School, photograph from 1948 Yearbook.
