Kids at a Bedford-Stuyvesant youth organization are realizing that taking the stairs instead of the elevator can be a whole lot more fun — thanks to the group’s initiative to encourage physical activity.
The Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, a Brooklyn community development corporation funded through the city’s Department of Health, commissioned local artist True to turn the drab walls of the building’s stairwell into a Brooklyn Hall of Fame, featuring famous singers, artists, and actors who came from the borough. And the effect was positive — more kids began to take the stairs rather than the elevator, so I went over to check it out.
As I walked up the stairs looking at all the paintings of famous Brooklynites, I realized that most of the people I hadn’t heard of before. Each star featured had text next to them, explaining what they did with their fame and fortune. The paintings were very colorful and had a lot of life to them.
One of the paintings was of Lena Horne, who I really like — she was a very good singer and actress and I think she was really cool. The text next to her said, “I used my talents as a singer, dancer, and actress to open doors for our people.”
Another person I thought was pretty outstanding was Eubie Blake. He lived on Stuyvesant Avenue, which is close to where I live. His sign said: “I used my talents as a lyricist, composer, and musician to show that blacks could create musicals that were not demeaning to our people.” I thought this was a good thing because he showed that change was possible.
As I reached the third floor — the top of the staircase — I was kind of disappointed that there weren’t more paintings. If there were more stairs — and paintings — I would have taken them!
By taking the stairs I got to learn new things while doing something most people don’t like to do, but should do. Now I would rather take the stairs than the elevator because it’s healthier — and more interesting than staring at an elevator door!
The building at 247 Herkimer St. houses Restoration’s Youth Arts Academy and art organizations such the Noel Pointer School of Music and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, collectively serving some 540 children between the ages of 3 and 18.
Ashaunte Solomon is 14 years old and attends Academy for Young Writers in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. She was also an intern at Restoration as part of the Summer Youth Employment Program.
