Celebrating Black History Month: Meet Ingersoll RA Leader Darold Burgess 

Growing up at Brooklyn’s Ingersoll Houses, Darold Burgess learned all about community service from within his own household.  

Both of his parents were very active in their community and proud of where they lived. His father was a former NYCHA employee, while his mother was a community leader who served as a local Board of Education administrator, Community Board member, and longtime president of the local Parent Teacher Association.  

Leading by example, the hard-working couple paved the way for the young Mr. Burgess to become a devoted public servant himself, including as the now longstanding Resident Association President for Ingersoll Houses, where more than 3,700 residents live.  

“I’ve always been an advocate for my community,” noted Mr. Burgess, a resident of the Brooklyn development for six decades. “My parents taught me that you should work in your community, give back to your community, and help one another.”  

Mr. Burgess found a calling in education when starting out with his career. For nearly 20 years, he worked in the City’s Special Education Department for District 13, helping to connect children and adults with special needs to a variety of services. His career later shifted from education to the medical field after a life-changing battle, which eventually led to him receiving his first of two kidney transplants. The experience gave him a newfound inspiration to serve others facing similar challenges through the role of a dialysis technician. 

“I felt I had a second chance at life for a reason,” he recalled. “I realized that my goal is helping others; I was doing that before in the capacity of special education, but this was broader and I could reach out to more people.” 

Beyond his professional life, Mr. Burgess has long been motivated to play an active role in his community, whether it’s through mentoring youth or helping to improve the quality of life for his fellow residents. When first deciding to join Ingersoll’s Resident Association (RA), Mr. Burgess believed it was his time to “step up” and do his part to ensure various community needs were fulfilled. After initially serving as RA Vice President, he was recently re-elected to his fourth term as President.  

“I felt that I had to step up to the plate,” he recalled of joining the RA. “I’ve always voiced my opinions on what was best and needed, so I felt it was my time to step into that role. In my heart I love my community, and I believe in assisting not only the community and the residents but also the NYCHA staff.”    

Mr. Burgess has fought for the community through several other volunteer roles, including as Vice Chair for the Brooklyn West board, which oversees 19 developments, and as President of the Community Council for Police Service Area 3. He also sits on a number of local community advisory boards. Although retired from City work, he is currently employed by a mattress recycling company which partners with NYCHA Waste Management.   

Mr. Burgess touted the strong working relationship between the Ingersoll RA and property management, saying “we’re like one family.” Property managers regularly attend RA meetings and the resident leaders work to educate their neighbors on the best ways to get their needs addressed. The board initiated “Tenant Tuesdays” as an opportunity for residents to raise a wide variety of questions or concerns.   

“The more we educate the residents, the better the issues are resolved,” said Mr. Burgess, who raised three daughters at Ingersoll Houses. “The key things I try to address are quality of life issues.” 

Mr. Burgess noted that due to his decades of living at the development, coupled with his dedication to being a community advocate, he has built a very trusting relationship with his neighbors.  

“They trust me and know that I put the development on my shoulders, and that I’m going to put them above everything,” said Mr. Burgess, who has received past accolades for his service, including the “Determination” award at the Juneteenth NY Celebration. “I’m thankful to my wife for supporting me and giving me the inspiration to be a strong leader.” 

The commitment of resident leaders to improving the community, he added, has also led to strong partnerships with development staff, outside stakeholders, and community groups. 

“We bring great ideas to the table to make the community grow, not just inside the development but in the surrounding neighborhoods as well,” he said.  

The Ingersoll RA leaders have made celebrating their community and giving back central parts of their mission, whether it’s with lively Family Day carnivals, Winter Wonderland events, holiday food and clothing giveaways, or annual toy drives. The board has passionately supported youth and seniors with activities throughout the year, and led the charge for on-site programs such as adult literacy classes, a food pantry, and a community garden managed by mothers and grandmothers, known as the “Garden of Eden.”    

“We help those families that are in need. Giving back is big at our development,” Mr. Burgess stated.  

During a tenure that has seen development improvements such as a new basketball court, intercom system, and security cameras, Mr. Burgess noted his key priority has been improving the lives of fellow residents. 

“My main goal is to teach and educate residents to be self-sufficient,” he said. “When we can become self-sufficient and work together with NYCHA, we can make our community a better place to live.”  

Looking back on the influences that first inspired his journey into public service, Mr. Burgess had a word of advice for other residents who aspire to make a difference for their community.  

“Utilize the gift that you were given, and that’s how you make it – that’s how you can change the neighborhood,” he said.