Carla Cook, a jazz musician, has lived in Fort Greene since 1990. Carla is an artist, educator, and a dynamic presence in the community. Many know her not only for her music but also for her volunteer work.
Every other Saturday from 2020 to 2025, Carla delivered groceries to elders in the neighborhood. She continued post-pandemic until funding ended in December, and still asks what can replace it because “people are still hungry.” Driven by connection, Cook developed strong relationships with both recipients and her volunteer group, who call themselves “The Squad.” For Carla, it was never just about food but about making people feel seen. “Maybe you’re feeding more than the body,” she reflected, “maybe you’re feeding someone’s soul.”
That instinct to care is deeply rooted. Attributed to her Midwest upbringing, Carla describes the difference between a neighborhood and a community simply: “a neighborhood is a geographical outline defined by a map; a community is when neighbors take care of one another.” A simple smile or bringing a casserole over when someone is sick are just a few of the ways Carla makes Fort Greene a home. Since the 90’s, Carla has remained committed to fostering not only the arts within the neighborhood as it has evolved, but also maintaining the heart of what a true community is.
Despite her accomplishments, like being a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and educator at Juilliard, Carla carries herself with striking humility. She rarely mentions her musical career while volunteering, choosing instead to listen and connect. When asked what advice she would give to the younger generation, she advised: “to step away from screens long enough to listen inwards, then to feed what feels real by serving outwards.” Carla’s story reminds us that you don’t have to do everything to make a difference– just something.
