Introduction

Daniel Barber, a man of many trades, was born on Morris Avenue, and soon after moved to Andrew Jackson houses, and has been living there for forty four years. Daniel “Danny” Barber was born in Melrose in July of 1969, and has five older, nonbiological siblings. Throughout his life, Danny has attended schools Paul Robison junior high school 183 and D. Wood Clinton High School. After many jobs and volunteer experiences within and outside of his community, Daniel followed in his father’s footsteps and became the NYCHA President in 2002. Since then, Danny has proceeded to attain positions like the President of Andrew Jackson Houses, the Vice Chair for the South Bronx Councilor Presidents, Title of City Wide Youth Chair for the Citywide Councilor Presidents, is a Board Member Community Plan Board I, and is the President of the Bronxworks Classic Center Advisory Board. Daniel discusses the correlation of his spirituality and the connection to his community through volunteer work and selflessness; he stands firm in the belief that his people have to control the outcome of their own destinies. Although he has no children, Daniel has nieces and nephews, and children in the Andrew Jackson houses who he steers the road for through the power of his words and inspirational quotes. Danny expresses the importance of family, and how this is a staple to the way he lives his life today. Daniel Barber hopes to delve into politics to give agency to his misunderstood community and one day make affordable housing affordable for all.