Hattie Carthan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hattie Carthan
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Mural depicting Carthan at the Magnolia Tree Earth Center in Brooklyn, New York
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| Born | September 1900 |
| Died | April 23, 1984 |
| Occupation | Community activist |
| Years active | 1964-1984 |
Hattie Carthan (born September 7, 1900 – died April 22, 1984) was a dedicated community activist and environmentalist. She worked hard to make life better in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.
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Hattie Carthan's Story
Hattie Carthan was born in Washington, DC. She moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1928. In 1953, she settled on a street in Bedford-Stuyvesant that used to have many trees.
By 1964, most of the trees were gone because the neighborhood was struggling. Hattie decided to do something about it. She sent postcards to everyone on her block. She then formed the T & T Vernon Avenue Block Association.
This group raised money to buy and plant new trees. They even threw fun block parties to help with fundraising! The City of New York supported her efforts. The mayor, John Lindsay, attended one of their parties. The City Parks Department also provided trees.
Planting Trees and Helping Youth
In 1966, Hattie Carthan started the Bedford-Stuyvesant Beautification Committee. As the leader, she helped her community grow even more.
In 1971, her committee received a special grant. This money helped teach young people how to care for trees. It also gave them summer jobs through a program called the Neighborhood Tree Corps. Hattie oversaw more than 100 block associations. Together, they planted over 1,500 trees! These included types like ginkgo, sycamore, and honeylocust.
Saving the Magnolia Tree
Hattie Carthan also led a big effort to save a special tree. In 1968, a 40-foot Magnolia grandiflora tree was in danger. This large magnolia was growing well, even though it was far north of where these trees usually thrive. Developers wanted to cut it down to build an apartment complex.
Hattie started a campaign to protect the tree. She raised money to build a strong wall behind it. This wall would shield the tree from a planned parking lot. Because of her work, the City Landmarks Preservation Commission declared it a "living landmark."
The brownstone buildings that were going to be torn down for the apartment complex were bought in 1976. They became the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant Inc. This center is an important educational place for the community.
In 1975, Hattie Carthan was honored by Parks Commissioner Edwin L. Weisl Jr. for her great service to New York City.
Her Lasting Impact
Hattie Carthan passed away on April 22, 1984, in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Her work continues to inspire people.
Hattie Carthan Community Garden Farm
After her death, a vacant lot in the neighborhood was transformed into a community garden. In 1998, it was renamed the Hattie Carthan Garden. This was done to honor her and continue her important work.
In 2009, under the leadership of Yonnette Fleming, the garden grew even larger. It became the Hattie Carthan Community Garden Farm. This farm helps the community by providing fresh food and a green space.
