Episode description

Episode 313 - Rebecca Bratspies - Naming Gotham, The Villains, Rogues & Heroes Behind New York's Place Names

The Van Wyck, the Major Deegan, the Jackie Robinson, the Hutch, the Merritt, FDR Drive, or the Henry Hudson...you might drive them regularly, without really noticing that those road names are, well, names. But, who were these people? New York City's many roads, bridges, neighborhoods and institutions bear the names of a colorful assortment of people from key periods in the city's history. Learning about the people iconic Gotham landmarks are named for is a unique window into the history of the greatest city in the world. Author Rebecca Bratspies takes readers on a place-based, intimate, historical journey on a human scale.

About the author
Rebecca Bratspies lives with her cats, teenager and husband in Astoria Queens. When not geeking out about New York City history, Rebecca is a professor at CUNY School of Law. A scholar of environmental justice and human rights, Rebecca has written scores of law review articles; five books (including Naming Gotham: the Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York Place Names); and three environmental justice comic books (with Charlie LaGreca Velasco). She serves on NYC’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board and EPA’s Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee and is a scholar with the Center for Progressive Reform and a member of the NYC Bar Environmental Committee. ABA-SEER honored her work with its Commitment to Diversity and Justice Award.

You can follow her on Twitter and IG at @RBratspies and Mastodon at @RBratspies@Mastodon.social 

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