Get to Know Brooklyn A – Johnny Rivera

It might be easier to count the Brooklyn apartment buildings Johnny Rivera hasn’t visited instead of the ones he has. As Community Outreach and Intake Specialist in the Brooklyn Preserving Affordable Housing program of Brooklyn A, Johnny’s work takes him all across the borough meeting with tenants, teaching them about their housing rights, helping them get organized and to secure victories in the form of major repairs and refunds for overcharged rent. Johnny is at the forefront of continuing Brooklyn A’s storied history of fierce organizing, helping countless New Yorkers leverage the power they already have. Hear more about his history as an organizer and his love of movies and tv series in our latest Q&A:

Q: For people who may not know, what is tenant organizing and what kind of work is involved in your job?

Johnny: As part of a legal team, a tenant organizer works to mobilize tenants in a specific building around violations of their rights by the landlord. The issues they face are part of a broader pattern of neglect. The owner aims to maximize profits by disregarding the lease agreement and New York State laws, primarily by cutting costs related to maintaining a clean and safe environment and failing to address necessary repairs promptly. The owner’s incentives are often to retain the property as its value increases and eventually sell it for substantial profits in the future and/or to force lower income tenants from the building in order to raise the rent to market rate. The Organizer collaborates with tenant leaders to encourage tenants to take collective action, pursuing legal and community strategies to improve their living conditions.

Q: Do you remember the first time you organized? Did you mobilize classmates in school for a cause or organize your building as a young adult?

Johnny: As a teenager, I was part of a youth organization that experienced a financial shortfall due to a lack of state funding. This situation arose because an elected official was prioritizing his political campaign needs over our funding. The funds were eventually released after we organized a demonstration in the streets. This was my first of many public speaking roles where I had to explain the value of our work and highlight why young people matter. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of collective action and the need to speak out against injustices. I learned that democracy is not just about voting; it involves actively engaging to improve our communities. I hope others can understand and embrace this model of democracy as well.

Q: What kinds of work did you do before Brooklyn A?

Johnny: I served as the liaison to the East Harlem community for Congressman Rangel. Additionally, I worked in the Office of Community and Government Affairs for Mount Sinai Health System. I also played a role in establishing the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, which has provided children with college scholarships and comprehensive support services, for several years during their formative years.

Q: What’s one of the harder parts about mobilizing people?

Johnny: It’s all about the mindset. People are often sold the idea that social issues can be resolved through individual actions. However, real change requires the active participation of citizens. While not everyone may get involved, it’s those who dare to challenge the status quo and give of themselves that can truly help improve our collective living conditions.

Q: If you could only give one piece of advice to someone thinking about forming a Tenant Association (TA) in their building, what would you tell them?

Johnny: Act now! You only need one more tenant to form a tenant association, as there are no legal requirements for formation of a TA. It’s crucial for you and at least one other person to take action to improve your situation. If you don’t take the initiative, who will? And if not now, then when? Take action for as long as you live!

Q: You spend so much time thinking about the groups you work with, but what’s something you like to do for yourself?

Johnny: I enjoy watching movies that are akin to novels and soap operas; these are often referred to as series, where stories and characters are explored in depth. Occasionally, I watch films in Spanish, particularly from Colombia, because I have a great appreciation for the language.

Q: What’s one movie, book, TV show, or album you’ve enjoyed recently that you’d recommend to everyone? 

Johnny: One intriguing movie series on Netflix that captivated me with its bizarre stories and characters is The Preacher. The series revolves around angels, demons, vampires, cowboys, and a secret religious sect that clashes with a Texas preacher. This preacher harnesses an otherworldly power in his quest to find God.