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Dr. Rahsaan Harris sees "poetry" in the beginning of his tenure as new CEO of the Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC).

Building community. Uplifting voices.

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Gun violence has erupted on New York City streets this summer — in ways not seen in nearly three decades — and Brooklyn communities are bracing for the possibility of more shootings as the hot, humid weather causes tempers to flare.

On the season finale of Sick Empire you’ll hear from three women whose voices are leading a new type of political movement, one that requires less politics and more movement.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic two residents of Kew Gardens – Carol Lacks and Tony Mavilia — asked the question: “What can two people do to lift the spirits of their neighbors, help the area’s struggling shop owners, and showcase the incredibly talented residents who live here?”

Rahsaan Harris is CEO of the Citizens Committee for New York City, a nonprofit that aims to help New Yorkers — especially people in low-income areas — improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

Citizens Committee grantee partner Heather Butts from Health For Youths is organizing her neighborhood’s little free library in Staten Island to safely provide food and supplies for her community!

So you’re thinking about creating a neighborhood association. Shared crises have frequently galvanized community action, in formal and informal ways, and perhaps you’d like to corral that energy into organizing within your own area.

Many want to stand in solidarity with the black community but don't know how to be an ally. Dr. Rahsaan Harris, the CEO of The Citizens Committee for New York City and the former CEO of the Emma Bowen Foundation for Minority Interests in Media, joined CBSN to discuss what it truly means to be an ally to the black community.

Eleven Manhattan small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic will receive $93,000 in relief money for rent, employee pay and more from a nonprofit grant program.