To whom it concerns;
My name is Hennessy Garcia. I worked at Sixth Street Community Center from November 2022 to August 2024. I am writing to advocate for Howard’s character. During my time at SSCC, I was hired as the climate justice organizer. My job was about engaging with coalitions, and seeing how SSCC can plug in. Additionally; I would co-facilitate the teen climate justice program.
Although I had issues with Sixth Street as an entity, I did not have an issue with Howard as a boss and manager. He was most likely to be present during the teen program, which means if God-forbid something happened that my former co-worker and I may was not be able to respond to on our own; he would likely be present. The direct manager who oversees the teen program was not often physically present when the program was occurring. The teens in the program actively enjoyed Howard’s presence. The few times in which Howard led a workshop the teens were entertained and very engaged. The favorite workshop the teens liked was the one where Howard took us on a tour and gave a really interesting history of the community gardens of the Lower East Side.
Howard, also often checked in on me to see how I was doing and would always ask what I was working on. He was also very encouraging when it came to pieces of climate legislation I was contributing to for Sixth Street. It was easier to confide in Howard about anything personal going on than my direct manager. Howard made the healing I had to do after being in the Intensive Care Unit and hospital for two weeks of my life in February easier. The period of February to March was one of the hardest periods of my life because I had to process that I almost died and after that experience, I knew for me to heal I had to do the things I love. One of them was my job. Howard, is part of the reason I stayed at Sixth Street for so long. He made me feel safe. He advocated for me to be paid. He also taught me so much about the Lower East Side that makes me appreciate the area and its history so much more.
I have two favorite moments with Howard. My first one was when we accepted the Proclamation by Assemblymember Harvey Epstein together. It was really meaningful to have his presence and I could tell he was super proud of the work my co-worker and I did to make it happen. My second favorite moment was when we were tabling for the Loisada festival in June. I taught him a dance and it was really funny and great that he went along with it. It also meant a lot to me because as a Puerto Rican, he was actively learning about my culture.
I hope one day to return to Sixth Street. I do not know what the future holds. I do not know in which capacity that will be in. I do know that I will not feel comfortable working there without Howard being there.
Sincerely,
Hennessy