In this oral history, Chris Brandt reflects on his diverse life experiences, from working in construction to performing street theater in Germany and Nicaragua, and eventually serving on the board of directors for the Cooper Square Mutual Housing Association and the Cooper Square Community Land Trust (CLT). Brandt begins by discussing his family’s history, focusing on his father’s role in the U.S. military during World War II, particularly in the fight against Nazi Germany. He then transitions to his own career journey, including his decision to major in English at Princeton University.
After graduation, Brandt taught in Tennessee before attending graduate school in Massachusetts. There, his involvement in anti-Vietnam War protests deepened his political radicalization. A fellowship took him to Germany, where he developed a passion for street theater under the influence of economist Ernst Schumacher. This experience led him to New York City, where he pursued theater studies at Sarah Lawrence College while working as a construction worker and carpenter.
Seeking new adventures, Brandt embarked on a sailing trip across the Atlantic from Spain to Panama. Drawn to the revolutionary climate in Nicaragua, he traveled there and immersed himself in the post-revolutionary culture, continuing his theater work and translating poetry from Spanish to English. His connection to Nicaragua deepened during a second visit in 1987 to the city of Bluefields.
Back in New York, Brandt became an active participant in the fight against real estate speculators in the Lower East Side, working alongside prominent activists like Frances Goldin, Esther Rand, and Thelma Burdick. He recounts his involvement in the renovation of Cooper Square buildings, describing his hands-on role in overseeing the work and celebrating with the community once the renovations were completed.
Brandt reflects on his commitment to educating residents about the history and structure of the CLT, stressing the importance of younger generations recognizing the threats posed by real estate speculators. He acknowledges changes in the community, addressing issues like illegal subletting but also emphasizing the strong, village-like bonds that had formed among residents.
As a new board member of Cooper Square CLT, Brandt expresses his desire to engage new and younger residents in community activities. He concludes the interview by sharing his plans to start a poetry workshop and expand community-based programs within Cooper Square, further strengthening the neighborhood’s spirit of collective action and creativity.
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