This is a writing block.

Each writing block contains 2-3 sentences.

The piece below is eight blocks long.

It recounts my time in the wooded mountains of the Catskills, plotting disruption at a Housing Justice Strategy Conference. The color theme is blue.

What could you absolutely not live without?

I mean basic necessities. Not the tempting cupcake you devour once a week.

Take a moment to reflect on this. Visualize what rock bottom would look like. What would be missing?

Have your answer? Okay, good.

Now I’ll ask, did your home appear on that list? Why or why not?

Housing, for many, is something many of us take for granted. In a post-industrialized society, homes are something expected, and hardly considered a luxury.

While housing is a human right, millions in the U.S. are currently without it. As rent and the cost of living continue to rise, that number is only growing.

In early October, I attended the Housing Justice for All (HJ4A) convention in the Catskills, where over 100 leaders from across New York gathered to strategize on how to turn the tide and make housing a universal right.

HJ4A brings dozens of tenant and housing organizations across New York State together to fight for various necessities of human living. Where politicians and government fail to secure the people, we step up.

We push for policy changes like universal rent control and social housing because we believe everyone deserves a safe, stable home. It’s a simple cause – one that you’d think is universally accepted – but oppression of the 99% through housing is big business.

Predatory real estate, (New York’s is the most valuable on Earth) abusive and criminal landlords, and corrupt politicians are just a few of the foes attacking housing security.

Imagine a world where people aren’t crushed by rising rents – where communities can flourish without fear of being displaced, and where homes are recognized as essential components of health, happiness, and community.

My vision for the future is one where productivity and innovation come from curiosity, rather than necessity. What do I mean by this? Well, think about how most people must work in order to survive.

Just to pay their rent – something they don’t even own! Now, what if they could dedicate their time and efforts to something they love or are passionate about? What if they didn’t have to worry about where their family would sleep at night – would their creations burst with inspiration, rather than just checking a box?

Up in the rolling Catskill mountains, we ruminated on these seemingly lofty ideas. Throughout the campgrounds, you’d hear us engaging in thoughtful debates, building relationships, and sharpening our swords as we plan to mobilize millions of tenants and homeless New Yorkers.

There was songwriting in solidarity with those oppressed by discriminatory laws, strategic planning sessions, and creative sessions like t-shirt printing and political cartooning. We shared our stories, frustrations, and hopes for a future where housing is secure for all.

But it wasn’t all work. We connected deeply with each other, rowing boats on the lake, ziplining through the trees, and picking apples under the fall foliage. In these moments, when the chilly breeze brought us closer, I felt a renewed sense of community and purpose.

If you believe that housing should be a human right and a foundation for nurturing vibrant communities, now is the time to act. We have the power to make lasting change—and this movement is growing stronger every day. Your reading of this newsletter is a radical act of defiance and change – let’s show the world that when it concerns housing, we aren’t looking to play around.

Red in Black #003: American Entertainment Revival (ft. Manza) 🎙️

This piece is three blocks long. It’s about entertainers

The color theme is orange.

Remember when entertainers – specifically American entertainers – were a dime a dozen?

We had bold comedians, enchanting singers and dancers, and sticky emcees who could keep a crowd rocking all night.

The latest Red in Black podcast touches on this lost art of entertainment.

It features my good friend Manza, a multi-hyphenate entertainer with a background in painting, musical performance, clothing design, and Alvin Ailey dance training.

(He does more, believe it or not, but we’re reaching a word count here.)

Manza’s story is one of self-belief, triumph, and discipline.

He’s a performer who plays the game for the love of it, and it’s clear that he represents the next generation of true entertainers.

Manza will have you rooting for him the whole way on his top-flight journey to superstardom – and don’t worry, the in-flight entertainment is prime.