Ken Burns, Fred Armisen, John Oliver, ‘Questlove’ headline star-studded event for Brooklyn’s 826NYC
‘Brooklyn Superhero’ Writing Center Celebrates 10 Years
While tutoring centers are no rarity in New York City, Park Slope’s 826NYC — also known as the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company — is unique in its quirky setup and programming. On Wednesday, the nonprofit community center that emphasizes student writing, celebrated its tenth anniversary at Town Hall in Manhattan with “One-On-One Chat Spectacular,” an event featuring a star-studded lineup of entertainers. In keeping with its whimsical nature, 826NYC presented a hilarious series of conversations, featuring comedian Fred Armisen; musician and journalist Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; documentary filmmaker Ken Burns; John Oliver, correspondent for “The Daily Show”; and Brooklyn-based author Kurt Andersen, among others.
Since its inception, 826NYC — modeled after the San Francisco chapter, which writer Dave Eggers founded in 2002 — has encouraged thousands of local students to write by connecting them with professional writers, publishing student works and offering programming such as one-on-one tutoring and free field trips. The organization also functions as a space where students, volunteers and professional writers can convene and work together after school. Its superhero storefront invites students to use their imaginations and the store serves as a unique source of funding that enables 826NYC to provide its programming for free.