Inclusiv Conference 50
Site Visits
Activities require separate registrations.
8:30am - 2:30pm
Visit Bedford Stuyvesant, an iconic Brooklyn Neighborhood that has been home to more than its share of famous Americans - from Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm to rap artist Jay-Z- and was the site of Spike Lee's film "Do the Right Thing". Since the 1930s, Bed-Stuy has been a hub for Black culture in New York and has experienced extreme wealth and poverty in its history of white flight, redlining, and gentrification. It also boasts Brooklyn's largest stock of well-known, and coveted, brownstone residential buildings.
We will visit Brooklyn Coop's recently relocated Bed-Stuy branch and hear from the credit union team about their work that was recently featured in Next City. Next, we will visit and receive an historical tour and presentation of Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration). Founded in 1967, Restoration is the first Community Development Corporation established in the country through efforts by Robert Kennedy and others. We'll visit Restoration Plaza, which began as the Sheffield Farms Milk Bottling Plant, and has for the last 50 years been a hub for community life in Central Brooklyn and home to Restoration as well as the historic Billie Holiday Theatre and many local businesses and organizations. Restoration's wide-ranging work spans from economic development to arts and culture and is an
important part of the community development movement's history.
Following the tour, we will enjoy lunch at Restoration.
Note: Due to overwhelming interest, this site visit is now sold out.
8:30am - 2:30pm
This site visit will be offered in English and Spanish.
Walking tour.
We will start our visit at the United Palace, located at the northern part of Manhattan, also known as Washington Heights. This area gets its name from Fort Washington, a fortification constructed at the highest natural point on Manhattan to defend the area from the British forces during the American Revolutionary War.
Today, this lively neighborhood is home to many communities, majority African Americans, and Latinos - predominantly from the Caribbean: Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cubans, and Latin America countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Colombia. Known for its stunning public parks, incredible food, and historical sights such as the United Palace, The Met Cloisters, The Shabazz Center to name a few. If you've seen Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical In The Heights, you know this neighborhood is full of history, art and culture.
Then we will make our way to Neighborhood Trust FCU, where you will tour the site and meet the staff. Even though this location is not the birthplace of the credit union, since 1997 NTFCU have served this community along with neighboring areas of Inwood, Dyckman & Harlem. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch from a local Dominican restaurant, hear about NTFCU’s work and goals and answer any questions from our visitors.
Note: Due to overwhelming interest, this site visit is now sold out.
8:00am - 12:30pm
This site visit will be offered in English and Spanish.
Walking tour
Join the Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union for our Collaborative Community Walk that spotlights the spirit of our local cooperative community.
Our journey begins at a local Community Garden that is tended by dedicated community members. Discover how this garden contributes to the Lower East Side community by providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
Next, we'll step inside our newly renovated Lower East Side branch during its daily operations. The Lower East Side branch is our original location, serving the Lower East Side since 1986. With approximately 80 members visiting each day, you'll gain insight into the heartbeat of our cooperative and meet our team.
Our tour continues with a visit to a member business owner, a Cuban American restaurant that has proudly called the neighborhood home for over a decade. We'll delve into their story, including their recent move, prompted by rising rent prices. Of course, this stop will include a chance to enjoy the restaurant’s delicious food!
Lastly, we'll visit our local food cooperative, a testament to community-driven efforts, where volunteers source food from upstate farmers and collaborate to maintain the store and cover expenses.