Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya

“Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya” follows the unlikely friendship of blind Brooklyn poet, “Harmonica Jimmy,” and his younger neighbor, Shanaya, as they forge an uplifting bond based on their love of poetry, music, and the things that make New York, New York.

Stoops have always brought New Yorkers together, but in recent years stoop life has eroded, particularly in gentrified neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Americans are facing a public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and disconnection, particularly youth and elders. “Stoop Chat with Jimmy & Shanaya” strives to increase connections across generations while celebrating cultural legacies and neighborhood pride. Through heartfelt conversations, Jimmy and Shanaya explore what it means to be part of their Brooklyn community.

This short is the first in a series of intergenerational “Stoop Chat” videos that celebrate stoop culture and preserve neighborhood stories. It builds on the Stoop Stories community project founded at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to connect, support, and celebrate our NYC neighbors.

Funded by Brooklyn Arts Council and the Stoop Stories community, this series pilot was directed by Stoop Stories founder and Emmy-nominated producer Marj Kleinman, and Student Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Gabriella Canal, in collaboration with the Stoop Stories Collective of storytellers and artists.