The heart and soul of the renowned Sixth Street Community Center is Howard Brandstein. Under his leadership, the Center has long been a pillar of the Lower East Side, providing programs for children and teens, inexpensive organic food through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and free meals and fresh produce during the pandemic. It has been a leader in developing a new vision for community land trusts in NYC to provide permanently affordable housing along with a workers center to organize residents around labor and tenants' rights.

It's undeniable that without Howard Brandstein, Sixth Street would cease to be. Yet, recently, in an unjust decision, the Center's board of 4 members egregiously fired him. 

The dismissal of Howard, who nurtured this Center along with his late co-founder Annette Averette from its infancy, is not just an attack on him but on the entire community. It's no exaggeration to state that the Center would not exist without their tireless work over the decades. Therefore, we demand the reinstatement of Howard Brandstein as Executive Director and mediation with the board to address issues of transparency and community accountability.

This is not just about one person but about preserving a community resource that has been in operation for many years, serves hundreds every week, and plays a vital role in the lives of so many. This is about integrity, respect, and community voice. Stand with us in demanding justice for Howard Brandstein, and in preserving the holistic vision of the Sixth Street Community Center. Please sign this petition and lend your voice in support. Let's make sure Howard stays a key stake holder and keep our community alive! If you would like to donate to our cause - donate in the link below for tax exempt donations.

Donate to Reclaim Sixth Street Community Center