Brooklyn, Explained

Video Description

This video discusses the history of Brooklyn, New York. At a population of 2.7 million, if Brooklyn were its own independent city, it would be the 4th most populous in the US after New York, LA, and Chicago. By various measures, Brooklyn is one of the most diverse places in the entire world. The borough is home to numerous ethnic enclaves, with large communities from Russian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Latino, Chinese, and Jewish diasporas, among others. Like most cities, Brooklyn’s history is complex, filled with intertwining stories of prosperity, hardship, and renewal. As Brooklyn has become a global hub for culture, music, cuisine, and nightlife, numerous neighborhoods in the borough have undergone rapid gentrification. This video also briefly discusses the public policy of New York City’s urban renewal projects, with a focus on Brooklyn’s waterfront. I tried to cover as much as I could in a 15-minute video, but as with any short documentary, there are significant omissions. Thanks for watching, and let me know if you have any feedback or suggestions for future videos. Directed and Edited by Harrison T. Brown Produced by Harrison T. Brown, Luke Simboli Written By Harrison T. Brown, Luke Simboli, Dylan Springer Cinematography (Urban Landscape): Harrison T. Brown Cinematography (Subject): Luke Simboli Timestamps 00:00 - What is Brooklyn? 01:18 - Founding and European colonization 02:30 - Rapid Expansion, Growth, Prospect Park, Merger with NYC 05:56 - Early 20th Century 08:20 - Loss of Industry and Urban Decline 10:08 - Revitalization, Brooklyn Waterfront, Private-Public Partnerships 13:40 - 21st Century transformation