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Brick by Brick: What can we do to achieve housing equity in Brooklyn?

By Design Works High School

"In the spring of 2024, Teaching Artist Shifa Q collaborated with Design Works High School students to understand what is being done to address housing inequity in Brooklyn, and what challenges communities face in accessing fair housing. To understand the issue, students talked to community members in their neighborhood, interviewed stakeholders working on fair housing and explored photography and printmaking. They gathered what they learned and created this exhibition to teach others about housing inequity in Brooklyn.
"

Colorful illustrated cover image featuring hand-drawn block prints of homes, people, and community symbols. Large bold text reads
A page with a collage of students and illustrations overlaid on a city background. Text explains a 2024 project with Design Works High School students exploring housing inequity in Brooklyn. Includes quotes from Karuna Mehta and Julia Curbera defining housing inequity and its systemic causes.
An educational spread titled
Page titled “How is the city addressing housing inequity...” discussing zoning laws, data tools, planning processes, and affordable unit development. Includes illustrated figures, quotes from Julia Curbera and Karuna Mehta, and student artwork showing community engagement.
A double-page layout titled “What does the community think?” and “What do Design Works students think?” showcasing student-made posters and quotes about housing as a human right and the meaning of equity. Photos of students working and community members are interspersed with vibrant, handmade visuals.
Page titled “What makes it challenging to access safe and affordable housing in Brooklyn?” alongside “How do racial and socioeconomic factors impact access to affordable housing?” Includes quotes from housing experts and students, with topics like cost of living, maintenance, discrimination, and racism. Photos and student-made stamps are included.
Spread focused on “What is being done to address housing discrimination and promote fair housing practices in Brooklyn?” Lists actions like the Right to Counsel law, Housing First, anti-discrimination laws, and harm reduction. Illustrated scenes and photos of students and advocates support the content.
Page titled “What can communities do?” featuring advice like not moving out prematurely, making voices heard, fighting back, and addressing historical injustices. Quotes from housing professionals are paired with colorful student illustrations and photos of community engagement activities.
Closing credits page listing all student participants in multiple columns. Logos and credits for the Center for Urban Pedagogy (CUP), project leads, teachers, and interviewees appear below, with decorative community artwork anchoring the layout.