Ongoing leadership turmoil at Sixth Street Community Center sparks tensions

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

The Sixth Street Community Center (SSCC), a hub for activism, education and community support in the East Village, is facing continued internal and external upheaval following a decision by the Board of Directors to fire longtime Executive Director Howard Brandstein. 

The dismissal has sparked public outcry, prompted protests, and raised questions about leadership, transparency and the future of the nearly 50-year-old institution. (Read our previous post here for more background.)

Brandstein, a co-founder of the Center, stated that he was abruptly dismissed without severance pay or notice early on April 8. According to him, the termination letter alleged financial impropriety and misconduct — claims he categorically denies. 

"This board is out to destroy me, plain and simple," he wrote in a public statement, citing not only his dismissal but also the loss of access to personal items, digital files, and ongoing project work, including a community land trust partnership to develop affordable housing.

The volunteer board (pictured below from left), Chair Aminata "Amikole" Maraesa, Treasurer Ashwin Rastogi, Vice-Chair Sarah Johnson and Secretary Periwinkle Torres, has declined to discuss specific employment matters, citing legal limitations. 

In a public statement, the board announced that it had made a "very difficult decision" to transition leadership "in the best interest of the center and its mission," adding that it is committed to maintaining SSCC's programs and its role in the neighborhood.

"We remain focused on strengthening our programs, engaging with the community, and keeping the Center accessible in all ways," the board wrote, acknowledging the disruption caused by protests and urging respect for the safety of youth program participants and staff. 

Deputy Director Jen Chantrtanapichate, who is departing on maternity leave soon, expressed both gratitude for Brandstein's legacy and concern for the Center’s future. 

"I only wish Howard the best," she said. "But I also want the Community Center to survive beyond any one person. That's the embodiment of a healthy organization."

Brandstein claims that the root of the conflict lies in financial tensions that arose during and after the pandemic, including emergency loans, government grants, and disagreements over budget decisions and access to funds. 

A key flashpoint may have been his request to open a new bank account to cover overdrafts — a move he says was necessary but viewed by the board as grounds for dismissal. Last year, Brandstein was placed on a professional improvement plan (PIP), after which he filed a complaint alleging discrimination. 

Both sides agree that tensions had been escalating for over a year. 

SSCC staff, in a statement shared via social media, acknowledged they were not notified in advance of the board's decision to remove Brandstein. They expressed appreciation for his contributions while emphasizing their commitment to the Center's work. 

The staff also pushed back against what they described as misinformation about the organization's services. 

"The 'Friends of Sixth Street' group do not represent our center's programs or work and have fabricated claims," they wrote, attributing program changes to broader funding shortfalls — decrease in funding from the current federal administration — rather than internal neglect. 

Chantrtanapichate also stated, "The Friends of Sixth Street are not friends of Sixth Street — they are friends of Howard."

Community reactions have been mixed. 

Mammad Mahmoodi, co-founder of the mutual aid group EVLovesNYC, which previously served meals from the Center, called the board's actions "disgusting," criticizing the use of police and the sudden removal of Brandstein. (Board members said that Brandstein gained access to the building after his dismissal, and they called the 9th Precinct to make sure he left the premises without incident.)

"This is a community center and supposed to be for the community," stated Mahmoodi, who was not speaking on behalf of EVLovesNYC. "Not a playground for folks to do their power trips." 

We've heard from others that it's time for a change, that the Center needs more vibrant leadership during increasingly perilous economic times.

At the heart of the conflict are questions of governance, sustainability and accountability. Can an organization rooted in activism and grassroots leadership navigate a contentious leadership transition without losing community trust? 

The board said it is currently handling day-to-day operations with volunteer leadership and remains open to dialogue about the Center's future. 

"We are exploring a new leadership structure," the four members told EVG during an on-site interview this week, while affirming that "SSCC remains open for regular programming, with all existing programs, partners, and staff in place."

As one longtime staff member noted, "There are many perspectives and experiences that have not been considered. We hope the community can see the full picture — not just one side."

For now, Sixth Street Community Center continues its youth programs, food distribution, and neighborhood services amid public demonstrations and emotional appeals. What comes next for the storied East Village institution remains to be seen.

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• Leadership dispute erupts at the Sixth Street Community Center as longtime executive director dismissed