Notes on Basil Patterson's Story

Personal Background

• Name: Basil Patterson
• School: Collegiate School, New York City
• Family:
  • Mother: Eloise
  • Father: Daniel
  • Brother: Carter
  • Pet: Six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier named Darcy
  • Grandparents: Portia and Basil (grandfather passed away in 2014, Basil is his namesake)
  • Auntie Ann (lives on the ninth floor)
  • Uncle David, Aunt Mary, and Cousin Alex (live in the building next door)
  • Family Challenges:
    • Grandmother (94, has dementia)
    • Uncle (legally blind)
    • Uncle Reggie (intellectual disability)

Family and Community

• Proximity:
  • Living close to family facilitates mutual care and support.
• Support System:
  • Family love and support provide strength.

Connection to Harlem

• Home: Harlem
• Significance:
  • Known as the Mecca of Black America.
  • Rich cultural history and vibrant spirit.
  • Artistic expression is prevalent.

Involvement and Interests

• Regular Activities:
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Saturdays)
  • Abyssinian Baptist Church (Sundays)
  • Maisel's Documentary Center (three times a week after school)
• Passions:
  • Love of storytelling, history, and filmmaking developed at these sites and at home.
  • Filmmaking as a means to capture and share Harlem stories.

Extracurricular Leadership

• Organizations:
  • Jamaa Students of Color Affinity Space
  • Black Student Coalition
  • Student Participatory Action and Research Collaborative
  • Diversity Awareness Initiative for Students
  • Drumming and Collegiate Conservatory (participated for seven years)
• Goals:
  • Create a community and warmth similar to Harlem, in other spaces.