Immortalizing the Lower East Side with a Yearbook

Mario for LES Yearbook - Photography by Destiny Mata — Mario for LES Yearbook – Photography by Destiny Mata

n the heart of New York’s Lower East Side, a unique project is redefining how communities preserve their history. The Lower East Side Yearbook, spearheaded by local artist and community organizer Destiny Mata, is rapidly evolving from a simple idea into a powerful multimedia archive celebrating the spirit and legacy of this vibrant neighborhood.

“It’s inspired by high school yearbooks,” Mata explained in a recent phone conversation, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “But we’re remixing it and making it our own, focusing on our neighborhood of the Lower East Side.”

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The project began as a kernel of an idea last fall and has blossomed into a full-fledged community effort. It encompasses poetry, graffiti art, fashion, and oral histories, focusing on public housing residents. The LES Yearbook will exist as a physical book and a digital platform, allowing for an immersive experience that includes audio stories and photo slideshows.

The Lower East Side Yearbook’s grassroots approach to community building sets it apart. Mata has formed various “yearbook committees,” empowering local artists and residents to take ownership of different sections. LES natives and local photographers Nadia Ramnarine and Maylyn “Zero” Iglesias, both deeply rooted in LES graffiti culture, are spearheading the graffiti section. From these graffiti artists curating their own chapters to six-year-olds contributing cover art, the project truly reflects the neighborhood’s diverse talents and rich cultural heritage.

LES Yearbook Showcase

Discover and learn more about the LES Yearbook, write a love letter to the Lower East Side, capture memories with Fotos by Javi in the photobooth, dance to the beats of DJ SLID3, and more!

Join Us @ Creative Time!

59 East 4th Street 7th Floor | Wednesday, July 17 · 6 – 8pm EDT

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The Yearbook has already spawned several events, including “LES Prom,” a party with a purpose that brought together DJs, MCs, and community members to celebrate and spread the word about the project. Supported by a fellowship from the Magnum Foundation, Mata has brought these ideas to life, always with an eye toward inclusivity and accessibility.

As an interviewer involved in the project, I’ve had the privilege of sitting in living rooms in both the Baruch and Lillian Wald Houses, listening to sincere, beautiful stories that form the heart of this archive. One particularly memorable interview was with Riki, a local activist and multidisciplinary artist whose vivid and poetic life story unfolded over nearly two hours, leaving a lasting impression.

LES Prom - Photography by Laila Annmarie Stevens — LES Prom – Photography by Laila Annmarie Stevens

The project serves as a timeline, preserving resident narratives and touching on community wellness, perceptions of space, and finding common ground through shared memory. It’s not just about documenting – it’s about connecting with people and helping preserve this neighborhood’s soul.

“We’re just building and preserving our stories,” Mata reflected, encapsulating the project’s essence.

While new developments and shifting demographics alter the face of the Lower East Side, the Yearbook stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its long-time residents. It reminds us that behind every changing storefront and new building, there are generations of stories waiting to be told.

LES Yearbook Community Photo Slideshow

A crucial aspect of the project involves scanning photographs provided by community residents. These images span decades, from the 1950s to the present day, offering a visual journey through the rich history of the Lower East Side. This collection of snapshots provides a unique window into the neighborhood’s evolution, capturing street scenes, family gatherings, and community events that might otherwise be lost to time. The project has expanded beyond photography throughout the past year, with workshops hosted by The Center for Well Being and Happiness and led by local artists Alison and Kristina Stumpf. These sessions have engaged community members in creating Love Letters to the Lower East Side and mixed media collages, further enriching the Yearbook’s content and fostering a sense of connection among participants.

Workshop led by Alison and Kristina Stumpf hosted by The Center for Well Being and Happiness – Photography by Destiny Mata

The next showcase for the Lower East Side Yearbook is scheduled for July 17th at Creative Time, where the community will have the opportunity to see the fruits of their collective labor. As Mata and her team continue to gather stories and artwork and facilitate intergenerational conversations, they’re piecing together a multifaceted portrait of the Lower East Side. Each contribution, whether a decades-old photograph or a contemporary poem, adds depth to this living archive of neighborhood life.

The Yearbook serves as a powerful record of the community’s enduring spirit, ensuring that the voices and experiences of this diverse community will resonate for generations to come.