Opened on May 16, 1974, Gary Crooks Memorial Center was built in honor of 8-year-old Gary Crooks who died on the city's property. It was home to the ABCD Arts Center whose staff participated in its design, specifically for art activities. This memorial center was the home of vibrant Black cultural arts in Bridgeport with music, painting, camps, pottery, photography, and more. It was a creative, social, cultural, and political space for the entire community!
The arts community and residents of PT fought for this center in the 70s and after it was transferred to the housing authority it has been mainly used for Bridgeport Housing Authority's administrative purposes. Residents want it back and demand that it be returned as a community center where children can thrive and grow!
The city of Bridgeport has few places where youth and families can be together safely, outside of their home. At PT Barnum housing it is even more crucial they have this space. There are troubles between young people from different neighborhoods and this impacts the safety of everyone who lives in the various neighborhoods. Families, specifically PT Barnum Apartments, in the Black Rock area, need a community center where people can gather and be neighbors.
Updates
March 6, 2020
The Bridgeport Housing Authority is finally realizing that they cannot keep ignoring us. This momentum proves that our neighborhood is done being pushed aside while they hoard space that belongs to our children.
Reached 100 supporters
March 6, 2020
86 Comments
As one of the staff for this original art center, I can assure you that developing children in the arts positively enhances the student and the generations that follow. Art and music have uplifted life throughout all time and everywhere. Why would we deny the spiritual nature of humankind to be enlightened.
I was born and raised in PT. The Gary crooks was a place I had to go to keep me off the streets and it gave me somewhere safe to be. Having the Art Center in the Gary Crooks, allowed us to create and be ourselves. It would be a tragedy to take the Gary crooks away from the community. The children need a safe haven with positive influences.
I am a product of this center. I grew up there from 12 to 18 years of age, I was taught to draw and paint, and it was a safe haven for me and other young people in the community. It belongs to the people, just give it back.
I received my first job at the Gary Crooks Memorial Center as the secretary for Trina hack in 1990. This help build my character and confidence. I also attended camps and art classes their along with the summer breakfast and lunch programs. Then I was able to volunteer with those same programs for kids after me who attended.
My uncle's death was symbolized through this vision this would be a slap in the face to the whole Crooks family and the community of P.T. Barnum
Let's get this moving and shaking
Supporting Gary Crooks Center for PT Barnum Residents
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Opened on May 16, 1974, Gary Crooks Memorial Center was built in honor of 8-year-old Gary Crooks who died on the city's property. It was home to the ABCD Arts Center whose staff participated in its design, specifically for art activities. This memorial center was the home of vibrant Black cultural arts in Bridgeport with music, painting, camps, pottery, photography, and more. It was a creative, social, cultural, and political space for the entire community!
The arts community and residents of PT fought for this center in the 70s and after it was transferred to the housing authority it has been mainly used for Bridgeport Housing Authority's administrative purposes. Residents want it back and demand that it be returned as a community center where children can thrive and grow!
The city of Bridgeport has few places where youth and families can be together safely, outside of their home. At PT Barnum housing it is even more crucial they have this space. There are troubles between young people from different neighborhoods and this impacts the safety of everyone who lives in the various neighborhoods. Families, specifically PT Barnum Apartments, in the Black Rock area, need a community center where people can gather and be neighbors.
Updates
March 6, 2020
The Bridgeport Housing Authority is finally realizing that they cannot keep ignoring us. This momentum proves that our neighborhood is done being pushed aside while they hoard space that belongs to our children.
Reached 100 supporters
March 6, 2020
86 Comments
Community Space v. Office Space - a simple choice. PT's families, youth, and friends are entitled to have their community center back in its entirety and should be compensated for the time the Center was not able to be used by the community with some renovations and improvements.
As one of the staff for this original art center, I can assure you that developing children in the arts positively enhances the student and the generations that follow. Art and music have uplifted life throughout all time and everywhere. Why would we deny the spiritual nature of humankind to be enlightened.
I was born and raised in PT. The Gary crooks was a place I had to go to keep me off the streets and it gave me somewhere safe to be. Having the Art Center in the Gary Crooks, allowed us to create and be ourselves. It would be a tragedy to take the Gary crooks away from the community. The children need a safe haven with positive influences.
I am a product of this center. I grew up there from 12 to 18 years of age, I was taught to draw and paint, and it was a safe haven for me and other young people in the community. It belongs to the people, just give it back.
I received my first job at the Gary Crooks Memorial Center as the secretary for Trina hack in 1990. This help build my character and confidence. I also attended camps and art classes their along with the summer breakfast and lunch programs. Then I was able to volunteer with those same programs for kids after me who attended.
My uncle's death was symbolized through this vision this would be a slap in the face to the whole Crooks family and the community of P.T. Barnum
Let's get this moving and shaking
Supporting Gary Crooks Center for PT Barnum Residents
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Community Space v. Office Space - a simple choice. PT's families, youth, and friends are entitled to have their community center back in its entirety and should be compensated for the time the Center was not able to be used by the community with some renovations and improvements.