Celebrating Black History Month

Meet Raymond Miller, NYCHA Resident Board Member

During Black History Month, we are reminded of the opportunity that public housing has provided to countless families since its foundation and its role in fostering a society that is more fair and just. We spoke with Raymond Miller — a Johnson Houses resident who was appointed to the NYCHA Board in January — to get his thoughts on NYCHA, his role as one of three resident board members, and what the future may bring.  

How long have you been a NYCHA resident?  

I’ve lived at Johnson since 1984, but I grew up in Smith Houses. 

Can you share a favorite memory of living at your development?  

One of my fondest memories would be at Smith when I was 10 years old. My mother allowed me to go out by myself. I was the youngest of a long line. What I found remarkable was as I was walking around everybody seemed to know me, and I didn’t know them. Folks would say, “Hey Little Miller, how you are doing Little Miller?” I waved at them and wondered who they were. I found out later that they knew me from the time I was born. They knew all my family. It was such a sense of community. I always felt safe and welcomed. 

What inspired you to want to join the NYCHA Board? 

My whole career has been in public service, whether foster care, child welfare, or the Department of Probation. I’ve always been in a position where I’m dealing with people. Even before my retirement, I was looking for something to be involved with that I had a passion about. I saw the announcement and I applied. My inspiration was to stay involved with something that I’m passionate about. 

One way Black/African American people have empowered themselves and their communities is by advocating for “a seat at the table” in the conversation regarding issues and policies. Now that you have been appointed to the NYCHA Board, what are you most looking forward to accomplishing or advocating for? 

I want to advocate for my fellow residents as well as myself. As a long-time NYCHA resident, I would like to establish a better relationship between the NYPD and the residents. I’ve seen too many instances over the years where I felt residents weren’t being respected or they were made to feel like strangers in their own community.  

I’d also like to be an advocate for everyday issues such as heating, elevators, loitering, and other areas that need to be improved. I want to be an advocate for improving the quality of life in NYCHA. 

What do you think the NYCHA of tomorrow looks like? 

With adequate funding, NYCHA can be a place for poor families, working-class families, even middle-class families. We need certain changes such as modern fixtures and good maintenance; when someone puts in a ticket it should be responded to in a timely fashion. I envision NYCHA tackling its issues and overcoming so that all people can have good housing. Once you have good housing, you can take advantage of other opportunities. 

Anything else you’d like to tell readers about yourself? 

I’m a supporter of NYCHA and of public housing. I take pride in where I live, and every NYCHA resident should do the same. Help when you can, be a good neighbor. We’re in this together regardless of your economic status. I want housing to be uplifted to the heights of when I was a kid. We can do that again with the right funding and the right attitude.