The Ordinary New Yorkers Who Became Pandemic Heroes

Overview

• Date of Publication: March 12, 2025
• Author: Dodai Stewart
• Photographs by: Ben Sklar
• Main Theme: The article highlights the extraordinary acts of ordinary New Yorkers who became heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming challenges into opportunities for community support and personal growth.

Key Individuals and Their Contributions

1. Whitney Hu - Feeding Sunset Park

• Location: Sunset Park, Brooklyn
• Initiative: Founded South Brooklyn Mutual Aid
• Actions:
  • Created a network to assist neighbors by providing groceries and essentials.
  • Evolved from basic delivery to mass distribution from a warehouse at the Brooklyn Army Terminal.
  • Distributed food and necessities like diapers to families in need, serving up to 2,500 boxes weekly.
  • Collaborated with churches, schools, and community members.
• Impact: Strengthened community ties and changed her perspective on vulnerability and support.

2. Robert Hornsby - New York Sings Along

• Location: Upper West Side, New York City
• Initiative: Co-founded "New York Sings Along"
• Actions:
  • Organized a city-wide singalong to uplift spirits during isolation, started with "New York, New York."
  • Collaborated with radio stations WKCR and WBAI to broadcast songs, encouraging city-wide participation.
• Impact: Created a sense of unity across the city and beyond, providing joy and connection.

3. Hector Gerardo - Community Farming

• Nickname: Freedom
• Initiative: SeaMarron Farmstead
• Actions:
  • Converted personal gardening efforts into community support by establishing community refrigerators.
  • Developed a farm in Danbury, Conn., offering land for community use and education.
• Impact: Promoted food security and autonomy, fostering healthier lifestyles and community engagement.

4. Rev. Kimberly Detherage - Church and Community Support

• Location: St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Jackson Heights, Queens
• Actions:
  • Organized drive-by funeral services and online church services.
  • Set up COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites.
  • Maintained a food pantry and promoted community storytelling.
• Impact: Strengthened church community bonds and provided essential services during the pandemic.

5. Jona Tajonera - Covid Testing

• Location: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
• Initiative: U.S. Mobile Medical Care Group
• Actions:
  • Established a company to provide free COVID-19 testing across New York City with Department of Health funding.
  • Managed over 20 locations, serving more than 2,000 people daily.
• Impact: Offered critical health services, motivated by personal loss and community gratitude.

6. Marco Castillo - Language and Support for Immigrants

• Profession: Social Anthropologist
• Initiative: Red de Pueblos Trasnacionales
• Actions:
  • Provided health information in Indigenous languages for immigrant delivery workers.
  • Organized financial aid and food distribution in collaboration with community organizations.
• Impact: Enhanced communication and support for Indigenous communities, fostering cultural pride and connection.

Conclusion

The article illustrates how the pandemic led to profound acts of heroism and community solidarity in New York City, transforming lives and reinforcing the power of collective action and empathy.