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Fort Greene

Dorian Muller

Dorian Muller was raised in Brooklyn and grew up in Farragut Houses. Although he is no longer a resident, he returns to the development frequently to deliver necessities such as food and clothing on his own dime. Dorian is the Director of Property Management at the Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, a school board member at Compass Charter School, and an advocate for Brooklynites.

Coming from a tough upbringing, Dorian relates to those plagued by the disparities spreading in the Fort Greene community. Since at least 2008, he has been part of the fabric of local community life, showing up in ways that are consistent, humble, and rooted in genuine care.

Muller lost his 16-year-old-old brother to gun violence in 2000. He works with a Brooklyn-based organization, the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation, to support young adults and families impacted by gun violence. As a basketball coach in his youth, Dorian took on the responsibility of looking after children on an emotional level. “You’re more than a coach, you’re a second parent.”

The systemic issues that create obstacles for his community are never far from his mind. He states: “We have to meet people where they’re at. Are we going into communities asking what is affordable according to where these families are economically?” He believes that great education, powerful communities, and the fight for change are what influence better circumstances for people who are overlooked by those in power. “I don’t think education should depend on how much money you have. We should just have great schools, period.”

He listens to the heart of the people and responds by using his own, creating an authentic reputation for productive action. Dorian Muller is a community hero because he has saved the lives of many by advocating for hope, restoration, and safety.

Dorian Muller(社区英雄简介)作者:Sarah Gayle

Dorian Muller 在布鲁克林长大,并于法拉格特住宅区生活。虽然如今他已不再居住在那里,但他依然经常回到社区,自掏腰包为居民送去食物、衣物等生活必需品。Dorian目前担任布鲁克林社区住房和服务的物业管理总监,同时也是康帕斯特许学校的校董会成员,以及一位长期为布鲁克林居民权益发声的倡导者。

Dorian出身贫寒,深知那些深受格林堡社区日益加剧的贫富差距之苦的人们的感受。自2008年以来,他便持续活跃于社区之中,以谦逊、低调且真挚关怀的方式服务居民。

2000年,Muller年仅16岁的弟弟因枪支暴力去世。此后,他与位于布鲁克林的非营利组织——Melquain Jatelle Anderson 基金会合作,帮助受到枪支暴力影响的年轻人及家庭提供支持与援助。Dorian年轻时担任篮球教练的经历,也让他意识到自己不仅仅是教练,更承担着情感支持者的角色。“你不仅仅是一位教练,更像是第二位家长。”

Dorian时刻关注造成社区困境的系统性问题。他表示:“我们必须真正了解人们的处境。我们是否有走进社区,根据这些家庭的经济状况去考量负担得起什么?” 他相信,优质教育、强大的社区以及争取改变的行动,才能改善那些被权力忽视的人们的生活。“我认为教育不应该取决于你有多少钱。我们理应拥有优质的学校,仅此而已。”

他倾听居民的心声,并以真诚行动回应大家,树立积极作为的真诚声誉。Dorian Muller是社区英雄,因为他通过倡导希望、修复与安全,改变并拯救了许多人的人生。

Dorian Muller se crio en Brooklyn y creció en Farragut Houses. Aunque ya no es residente, regresa al complejo frecuentemente para entregar cosas básicas como comida y ropa, a su propia costa. Dorian es Director de la Administración de Propiedades en Brooklyn Community Housing and Services, miembro de la junta escolar de Compass Charter School, y defensor de la gente de Brooklyn. 

Dorian tuvo una infancia difícil, y se identifica con quienes sufren la desigualdad creciente en la comunidad de Fort Greene. Desde al menos 2008, forma parte del tejido de la vida comunitaria local, con una presencia constante, humilde y basada en un afecto genuino.

Muller perdió a su hermano de 16 años por violencia armada en 2000. Trabaja con una organización basada en Brooklyn, la Fundación Melquain Jatelle Anderson, que apoya a jóvenes adultos y familias afectadas por la violencia armada. Como entrenador de baloncesto en su juventud, Dorian asumió la responsabilidad de cuidar a los niños a nivel emocional. “Eres más que un entrenador, eres un segundo padre.” 

Los problemas sistémicos que yacen detrás de los obstáculos para su comunidad nunca están lejos de sus pensamientos. Dice: “Tenemos que buscar a la gente donde están. ¿Vamos a ir a las comunidades preguntando qué es asequible según la situación económica de estas familias?” Cree que una gran educación, el poder de las comunidades y la lucha por el cambio son lo que influye para mejorar las circunstancias de las personas ignoradas por quienes tienen el poder– “Yo no creo que la educación deba depender de cuánto dinero tengas. Deberíamos tener escuelas excelentes, y punto.”

Escucha al corazón del pueblo y responde con el suyo propio, creando una reputación auténtica de acción productiva. Dorian Muller es un héroe comunitario porque ha salvado muchas vidas defendiendo la esperanza, la restauración y la seguridad.

Portrait by

Francesca Magnani

Francesca Magnani is an Italian photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. Her street portraits explore the urban fabric and the relationship between personal experience and socio-political dynamics. Magnani’s work has shown in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the US. Her photographs are in the permanent collections of the Museum of the City of New York, ICP, Photoville, Aperture Gallery, The Italian Consulate in New York City, Women Street Photographers, and The Brooklyn Public Library. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History obtained Magnani’s images as part of the first set of pandemic-related museum’s digital acquisitions.

Text by

Sarah Gayle

I am Sarah Gayle, and I am a student at Benjamin Banneker Academy. I am always surrounded by Fort Greene and neighboring areas because of school, but the scenery, convenience, and community keep me supported!

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