STAFF 161: The Revered NYC Subway Writer Extraordinaire
Meet STAFF 161, one of the most respected NYC subway writers and the founder of The Ebony Dukes Graffiti Club, known as the first graffiti crew in the Bronx
Tag from STAFF 161 (2022) by STAFF 161The Bronx County Historical Society
Meet Edward, known as STAFF 161
STAFF 161, also known as CORKY 161, MR. ED 161, and MISTER EBONY DUKES, is a prominent NYC graffiti artist, revered for his diplomatic approach in bridging diverse backgrounds and his groundbreaking contributions during the pioneering era of 1969-1975.
Oral History with STAFF 161, Part 1 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project) (2022-02-23) by STAFF 161 (narrator), Payne, Steven (interviewer), and Boone, Kurt (interviewer)The Bronx County Historical Society
Early life in the South Bronx
STAFF reflects on his early life in Harlem and foster care on Staten Island. He touches on the challenges of being in a Black family during the Civil Rights Movement, temporary foster care due to his parents' separation, and the shock of moving to South Bronx at the age of 10.
Oral History with STAFF 161, Part 1 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project) (2022-02-23) by STAFF 161 (narrator), Payne, Steven (interviewer), and Boone, Kurt (interviewer)The Bronx County Historical Society
Getting into graffiti
STAFF's journey into graffiti and distancing from street gangs is shaped by the rise of gang activity at J.H.S. 52. He became captivated by subway graffiti tags, adopted street names, and explored spray paint through block crew activities.
Oral History with STAFF 161, Part 1 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project) (2022-02-23) by STAFF 161 (narrator), Payne, Steven (interviewer), and Boone, Kurt (interviewer)The Bronx County Historical Society
The emergence of STAFF
STAFF recounts the origin of his tag "STAFF," influenced by the prevalence of walking sticks during a period of Afrocentric consciousness. He shares how Charlton Heston's portrayal in The Ten Commandments inspired him to carve his own staff, embracing & adopting the name.
Oral History with STAFF 161, Part 1 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project) (2022-02-23) by STAFF 161 (narrator), Payne, Steven (interviewer), and Boone, Kurt (interviewer)The Bronx County Historical Society
Graffiti's early role in hip hop culture
STAFF highlights graffiti's early role in the emerging hip hop culture, driven by Black and Brown youth seeking new identities. He recalls the prevalence of street writing, MCing, and wild dancing in his neighborhood, often influenced by the lack of public music and art progams.
Oral History with STAFF 161, Part 1 (Bronx Aerosol Arts Documentary Project) (2022-02-23) by STAFF 161 (narrator), Payne, Steven (interviewer), and Boone, Kurt (interviewer)The Bronx County Historical Society
The day Ebony Dukes G.C. was born
STAFF recalls the formation of The Ebony Dukes G.C.. Inspired by a family friend's war stories of the original Ebony Dukes gang, STAFF decided to form a graffiti crew with the same name. The crew aimed to escape street gang culture and welcomed members from excluded youth.
Learn more about STAFF 161 here.
