NYCHA’s Got Talent 

NYCHA residents showcased their vocal, songwriting, and fashion talents on the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) Lobby Stage in Manhattan on October 26.  

“We wanted to include a different form of art/performance in this showcase, and what better way than to include the art form of fashion,” said Rodney Gwyn, Senior Strategic Project Manager in NYCHA’s Resident Services, Partnerships, and Initiatives team and the event’s co-organizer and emcee. “It’s only befitting, considering it’s one of the main industries that is synonymous with New York City.” 

Designer Lawrence Pizzi of Rutgers Houses opened the Resident Talent Showcase with fashion designs from his Zero Carbon Footprint line. The youngest performer of the showcase was fourth grader Deslannie Bowal of Douglass Houses, who sang “Stay” by Rihanna and a song from the show “Julie and the Phantoms.” Jennifer Miller of Isaacs Houses demonstrated her vocal skill for the second time — she performed at the first showcase held at the PAC Center in March — and was accompanied by her husband, Pastor Vincent Miller, on the keyboard. She sang a gospel song, “I Love the Lord,” and then performed a duet with her husband. Next was James Mitchell III, a Lincoln Houses resident who also works at NYCHA as a Caretaker at Carver Houses. Mr. Mitchell performed two original songs, “Emotions” and “Sunlight.” 

“It was a stepping stone on my resume as an artist, definitely a mind-blowing moment and unbelievable and a memory I’ll never forget,” Mr. Mitchell said of having the opportunity to perform in the showcase. “I enjoyed performing at the PAC Center. I loved the scenery, the atmosphere, the people. It’s one of those moments I’ll never forget. I was proud of myself. I got to reach an audience I didn’t know existed. Sometimes these things don’t happen until you start taking yourself out there, and this showcase will now lead me to more showcases.” 

The group closed out the showcase with a performance of the 1970s disco song “Native New Yorker.” “We wanted to try something unexpected for the finale by having the youngest member of the showcase, Deslannie, open by performing the beginning of the song while the remainder of the performers joined in towards its completion,” Mr. Gwyn said. “The audience was surprised, and it encouraged even more participation from them as well.” 

NYCHA’s Resident Talent Showcase is a partnership between NYCHA, the Public Housing Community Fund, and PAC NYC. NYCHA and the Public Housing Community Fund invited performers to submit audition videos for the showcase, and selected performers were invited to perform at PAC NYC, which regularly provides free performances open to the public. The next showcase is being planned for early spring.