Brooklyn boasts many bragging rights. These include being the home of many notable Americans who have shaped various aspects of life, including politics and entertainment.
Their legacies live on through the current generation, who learn from the best that anything is possible.
Here are five people who were raised in Brooklyn:
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
A beloved women's rights and gender equality advocate, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, affectionately known as "RBG," served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court between 1993 and 2020. Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Ginsburg was a trailblazer for women in law and became a cultural icon. Her work on landmark cases, such as United States v. Virginia, helped to advance women's rights in America. She died in 2020.
Shawn Carter, or 'Jay-Z'
Billionaire rapper and entrepreneur Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, was born and raised in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects in Bedford Stuyvesant. He rose to fame with his debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in 1996 and has since cemented his position as one of the world's most prominent rappers, with numerous Grammy Awards.
Barbra Streisand
The singer, actress and director is acclaimed for her achievements in music, film and theater. Born in Brooklyn, Streisand began her career as a nightclub singer before achieving success on Broadway. She has won multiple awards, including Oscars, Grammys and Emmys, and is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Streisand is also known for her directorial work in films like "Yentl" and "The Prince of Tides."
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was a pioneering American politician, educator and author, best known for being the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Born in Brooklyn to Caribbean immigrant parents, Chisholm represented New York's 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. She was also the first Black candidate for a major party's nomination for President of the United States, running as a Democrat in 1972. Chisholm was a strong advocate for minority education and employment opportunities and was known for her slogan "Unbought and Unbossed." Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of political leaders.
Chris Rock
Comedian and actor Chris Rock was born in South Carolina, but moved to Bedford Stuyvesant when he was a toddler. Rock's popular stand-up delivery was branded by his high-pitched and blunt delivery and his habit of pacing up and down the stage. He attacked subjects many comedians would shy away from including politics and race – with fearlessness, frankness and honesty. His routines had an irony of being blunt and even profane, but with the feel of a sermon.
These individuals represent a diverse array of talents and achievements, all sharing a common home in Brooklyn.
