Memorial Field: The Forgotten Generation

Abstract

This Project is a 45 minute podcast that goes into the social consequences of losing MOUNT VERNON New York's cultural gem and stadium 'Memorial Field'.

In this senior project, Mount Vernon Native Brianna Bryan-Kerr discusses the impact the loss of the stadium had on young black athletes in Mount Vernon with the primary focus group being Gen-Z residents. This project also dives into how community relations decreased while briefly touching on said politics that influenced the drawn out 15 year demolition and reconstruction of the stadium. Through this re-telling of Memorial Field from the perspective of the community, we learn through 5 young black residents what it was like to grow up without Memorial Field as they navigated their sport and recreational activities and reflected on what life was like in Mount Vernon, NY, the only city densely populated with the highest black population that surrounded their affluent white neighborhoods. Seemingly also, the only city that seemed to be going through economic turmoil.

We also learn about the rich history and culture of the stadium through 3 coaches who were also former athletes, from 3 different generations, the 80's, 90's and 00's; who all have a different version of Memorial Field to share with the audience but still emphasizing one point: The stadium was the city's community center, pride and joy.