Superspective

Student project by Max Loeschke, Eva Vlasblom & Lara Walter (2024)

Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) is a neighbourhood in Central Brooklyn, New York City. Although Bed-Stuy was a considered a ‘nice working class’ neighbourhood until around the 50s, by the end of the 60s Bed-Stuy had become ‘the second largest ghetto’ of the United States, with more than 700.000 inhabitants. In 1966, after visiting Bed-Stuy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy announced that “the 500-block, predominantly black section of Brooklyn was to become the testing ground of a bold new kind of experiment in slum rejuvenation.” The joint effort of community leadership, politicians and business leaders was supposed to ensure a sustainable cooperation for the future of Bed-Stuy. This graphic novel explores the plan of this rejuvination through three different perspectives of those involved in the project. The story Robert F. Kennedy represents the political and economical management of the plan, while exploring the role of saviour of Bed-Stuy that is often told. The story of Elsie Richardson represents the community and its organisations, and unveils the underlying sentiments in the neighbourhood. Through archival material the story challenges the narrative of the hero, connecting it to the real world. The story of the child Ritchie offers a resident's viewpoint of life within Bed-Stuy, illustrating the outcomes of collaboration between the community and politicians. The threefold format depicts different perspectives on one plan, showcasing their connections and the necessity of considering multiple angles for a more comprehensive understanding of Bedford- Stuyvesant’s history.