Social Justice Tour

Thomas Paine (1736-1809) was a political theorist, revolutionary, and writer, whose works helped inspire the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, and countless other documents, movements, and legal reforms which enshrined basic human rights.

Basquiat’s work referenced issues of class and race and drew upon street art and graffiti art.

On November 18, 1883, the Church of St. Benedict the Moor was dedicated at 210 Bleecker Street, in the heart of Little Africa. It was the first church in the North for black Roman Catholics.

On September 28, 1983, Michael Stewart, a rising artist, model, dancer, and Pratt Institute student, was arrested at the 1st Avenue L Train station for tagging a station wall with graffiti. He was beaten by a number of NYPD officers when, according to police reports, Stewart resisted arrest. After being booked at the Union Square police headquarters for resisting arrest and unlawful possession of marijuana, Stewart was transported to Bellevue Hospital Center. Stewart arrived at Bellevue handcuffed, legs bound, and comatose with a high blood alcohol content. He never regained consciousness.