The City Invests in One Crown Heights: Building Unity, Then and Now
In 1991, after the Crown Heights riots, the Rebbe shared a vision with Mayor David Dinkins: that all who live in Crown Heights be seen as one united community under Hashem—not as separate groups sharing the same streets.
That vision is the heart of One Crown Heights, a coalition of Black and Jewish leaders and residents working to ensure a safer, healthier, and more connected neighborhood. Over the years, the coalition has strengthened relationships, built trust, and formed meaningful allyship between communities.
Each year, One Crown Heights hosts a festival and, this past year alone, held six community conversations—including a Mother’s Day brunch that created space for dialogue and connection. The coalition meets monthly with local stakeholders and gathers rapidly during emergencies, ensuring collaboration, problem-solving, and open communication.
As antisemitism and division rise across the city and country, this work has become even more urgent. Following advocacy to Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, the city invested in expanding One Crown Heights—allowing the coalition to hire its first full-time Director, Ms. Simcha Baez, who now leads alongside Mrs. Maayan Zik, Director of Development. Both leaders are also mothers, committed to the neighborhood’s future.
“This is more than a job—it’s a Shluchis, a life’s mission,” says Maayan Zik.
“The Rebbe taught that unity is our strength. I’m honored to do this work with so many committed neighbors,” shares Simcha Baez.
One Crown Heights is hosted by the CHJCC in its new headquarters and supported by the JCRC-NY, creating a stronger hub for unity-building.
Eli Cohen of the CHJCC adds, “Crown Heights shows what’s possible when communities come together. We’re proud to help this initiative grow.”
The coalition expresses deep gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams, whose support has made this progress possible. His support reflects a commitment to keeping New York a city where all communities can thrive together.
One Crown Heights recognizes that this work is not easy, nor is it the only solution. Building trust across communities is a long journey—and it requires everyone’s voice and opinion. Many community members are worried about the neighborhood’s future. The coalition actively welcomes input, ideas, and participation from neighbors. Community members are encouraged to reach out directly to Simcha Baez at simchabaez@onecrownheights.com to share their perspectives and get involved.
How You Can Get Involved
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Show up—to dialogues, community events, and upcoming programs for men, women, and children (including basketball and ballet). All events include kosher food and we strive to make everyone as comfortable as possible.
The Rebbe’s message in 1991 remains a call to action today. Together, we can ensure Crown Heights remains a place where diversity is celebrated, hate has no home, and we live not as “two communities,” but as One Crown Heights.
