The article recounts the author's personal experience with their immigrant mother's job in a Brooklyn factory, marking a moment of economic stability. However, the closure of that factory signifies broader issues faced by New York City, where once-thriving industries have diminished. The author emphasizes the historical significance of the New York Harbor and the importance of reclaiming manufacturing spaces, particularly the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, which faces redevelopment challenges. The city's neglect of its industrial potential raises concerns about economic justice for communities reliant on those jobs.
"For the first time, she wasn't making minimum wage. Section 8 housing and SNAP weren't the only reasons we had a roof over our heads or food on the table."
"For centuries, the New York Harbor represented the promise of America. But somewhere along the way, just as our country seems to have abandoned that promise, our city abandoned its great harbor."
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