In this discussion, Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist from the South Bronx, shares her journey toward transforming her neighborhood. She emphasizes the importance of keeping communities vibrant instead of fleeing from their challenges. Carter dives into her initiatives like Hunt’s Point Riverside Park, showcasing the beauty of the Bronx River. She also critiques Robert Moses' legacy, advocating for community-led development while revealing how grassroots efforts can combat gentrification and promote resilience.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Moses's Work-Life Balance
Robert Moses had few hobbies and primarily focused on work, even attending Broadway shows infrequently.
His wife, Mary, managed his personal life, including his schedule and wardrobe.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Working Through Illness
Moses's dedication to work was relentless, continuing even during illness.
He dictated letters after an eye operation and held meetings with a high fever.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Moses's Writing Pursuits
Despite his workload, Moses wrote articles and a romance novel, "From Palms to Pines," which was rejected.
This highlights his prolific output and diverse interests.
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This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time. It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks. The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected. It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power. The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics[2][4][5].
This is the ninth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro.
This week, Roman Mars and Elliott Kalan sit down with Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist and real estate developer from the South Bronx. Growing up, she always viewed the neighborhood as a place she had to leave in order to find success. But as she got older, she began to undo some of Robert Moses’ legacy, like building Hunt’s Point Riverside Park along the Bronx River. She is a champion for bettering neighborhoods like the South Bronx, so that they are places where people want to remain—even when they have been ruined by a tyrant.
Elliott and Roman also cover the third section of Part 6 (Chapter 35 through Chapter 38), discussing the major story beats and themes.
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99% Invisible 
