cover of episode The Power Broker #9: Majora Carter

The Power Broker #9: Majora Carter

2024/9/20
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99% Invisible

Chapters

Robert Moses, at the height of his power in the late 1940s, controlled vast financial resources and wielded immense political influence. He used his authority to reshape New York City's infrastructure, often disregarding public opinion and democratic processes.
  • Moses held multiple public offices and controlled significant revenue streams from bridges and tunnels.
  • He cultivated a workaholic persona and used lavish events to exert influence.
  • Moses's disregard for democratic processes allowed him to push through controversial projects.

Shownotes Transcript

This is the ninth official episode, breaking down the 1974 Pulitzer Prize winning book, The Power Broker by our hero Robert Caro. 

This week, Roman and Elliott also sit down with Majora Carter, an urban revitalization strategist and real estate developer from the South Bronx. Growing up, she always viewed the neighborhood as a place she had to leave in order to find success. But as she got older, she began to undo some of Robert Moses’ legacy, like building Hunt’s Point Riverside Park along the Bronx River. She is a champion for bettering neighborhoods like the South Bronx, so that they are places where people want to remain—even when they have been ruined by a tyrant.

On today’s show, Elliott Kalan and Roman Mars will cover the third section of Part 6 (Chapter 35 through Chapter 38), discussing the major story beats and themes. 

The Power Broker #09: Majora Carter)

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