Sadie Nash Leadership Project - Creatives Rebuild New York

A split-image showcasing two contrasting scenes: on the left, a typical urban street in the Bronx featuring cars, a raised train line, and storefronts with vibrant lights under an evening sky. On the right, an idyllic garden path is enveloped in lush greenery and blooming pink roses, leading to a white door, with the words 'Bronx Beauty Volume 1 Edited by Karla Robinson' printed in elegant font. At the bottom of the image, a stylized illustration of a person lies relaxed, seemingly bridging the two different environments while writing, blending urban life with natural beauty.

“Bronx Beauty” cover design by CRNY artist Karla Robinson

Photo courtesy of Karla Robinson

A young woman sits in a classroom intently reading a book titled 'Bronx Beauty.' She is seated on a chair, wearing glasses and a denim jacket, and has her hair pulled back. The room is cluttered with various items, including a refrigerator with a safety sign, charts, and posters on the walls. A whiteboard is partially visible in the background, along with a trashcan and a stack of folded chairs. The atmosphere suggests a casual and educational setting. Bright lighting illuminates the space, creating a focused and studious ambiance.

Sadie Nash Leadership Project student Mariah Cooper

Photo by Karla Robinson

A person is standing at the front of a classroom, holding a book and reading aloud to the attendees. Seated in front of them are several individuals listening attentively, mostly women, some with braided hairstyles, and one wearing a headscarf. On the table beside the speaker, various books and informational materials are arranged neatly, possibly for a book fair or educational presentation. A large screen behind the speaker displays a colorful book cover titled 'My Dear Bros' with vibrant imagery. The classroom environment is decorated with bright posters, and the atmosphere appears to be informal and engaging.

“Dear Bronx” reading by Precious Rolon

Photo by Lidabel Avila

A group of diverse young women is gathered in a classroom setting, forming a semicircle around a display table filled with various colorful items and merchandise, including books and small figurines. Some individuals are squatting in front while others stand behind the table, smiling and appearing relaxed and happy. The classroom is decorated with a collage of photographs and vibrant artwork on the wall. One woman on the left holds a mug with both hands. Most of the group members are casually dressed, and the room has a carpeted floor. Posters are visible on the walls, contributing to a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

“Dear Bronx” contributors

Photo by Briana Jones

The Collaboration

Karla Robinson worked with Sadie Nash Leadership Project to center poetry and Black Feminist theory and practice into their work with youth at New Settlement Program for Girls and Young Women in the Bronx, as well as the Partnership Program and Sadie Nash staff. During this collaboration, Karla launched “Document. Dream. Disrupt.,” a community-centered boutique press located in the Bronx led by femmes, youth, and gender-expansive people of color. The press creates original work created in response to the lived experience and herstorical legacies of communities of color demanding to live whole and free. The collaboration supported the creation of the “Document. Dream. Disrupt.” framework and published Bronx Beauty Volumes 1 and 2. Karla also facilitated professional development opportunities for the Sadie Nash staff and Partnership Programs, revamped the Partnership Program staff orientation process, and created the accompanying curriculum toolbox and program planning workbook.

The Organization

Sadie Nash Leadership Project equips and empowers young women and gender-expansive youth of color to be agents of change in their lives and the world. They engage youth of color around issues of race, identity, power, and privilege. They use a popular education methodology to build community, critical consciousness, and college and career readiness for youth ages 11 to 22. Participants emerge prepared to lead lives in committed pursuit of joy and liberation for themselves and their communities.

Karla is a movement builder in that her thoughts, ideas and expertise create visible change in the young people she works with. Denise Quijada

I’m inspired to continue creating spaces for young women and gender expansive youth of color in The Bronx to explore how Black Feminisms live in us. Karla Robinson

Artists

Karla Robinson

Location

Bronx, NY

Communities Served

Immigrant

LGBTQIA+

Youth

Links

Bronx Beauty Volume 1

Bronx Beauty Volume 2

Sadie Nash Partnership Planning Workbook