Ruthann Richert, Joyce Larson, and Gregory Carey
Recorded
October 15, 2022
Archived
October 15, 2022
40:21 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
dde001662
Description
Gregory Carey (67) interviews his neighbors Ruthann Richert (72) and Joyce Larson [no age given] about moving to Harlem in the 1980s, and about their life in the Mount Morris Park community.Subject Log / Time Code
Ruthann (R) recalls what it was like to move to Harlem in the 1980s from California, and Joyce (J) remembers moving from Washington. Gregory (G) shares a bit of Harlem’s history and the changes it underwent in the 1980s.
R remembers what it was like to buy and move into her brownstone, and they discuss the poor living conditions before renovations, and the challenges of relocating the building’s inhabitants.
J discusses public policing regarding housing and social services, and G recalls how the city would tear building down instead of restore them.
J remembers being confronted by a neighbor about her moving into the neighborhood.
R and J share what it was like to raise their children in Harlem.
J remembers a group of men from the neighborhood who changed her attitude regarding her neighbors. G considers the unique neighborliness of Harlem.
R and J remember their neighbor Patricia Pates Eaton, who was a singer, musician, and community organizer.
J shares her hopes for the preservation of Harlem’s music and arts scene. J and G remember the Lenox Lounge.
G, R, and J discuss how the methadone clinics in Harlem have affected the community.
R remembers how the community fought to have “the ruins” changed. J and G discuss the women’s prison that used to be on their block, which R says was converted to condos.
G, R, and J reflect on the community organizations that have brought positive change to the Mount Morris Park area, including Marcus Meets Malcolm.
Participants
- Ruthann Richert
- Joyce Larson
- Gregory Carey