New Haven and Yale: A Note

New Haven and Yale is a small collection written by individuals that have a perspective on and stake in the New Haven-Yale relationship.

This book is not comprehensive of all perspectives. We strongly encourage more spaces and work that centers storytelling around the New Haven and Yale relationship.

I put this collection together because I believe the future of New Haven will be deeply affected by the history, pain, and promise of the New Haven and Yale relationship.

Although a collection, this book is a critical part of my perspective — one that believes that multiple, sometimes divergent, voices must be heard in order for us to make progress for the most number of people in New Haven.

This city isn’t yet built to make it easy for us all to meet. The tensions between New Haven and Yale have built brick, systemic, and emotional walls between students and residents. Lack of shared space and story limits our ability to learn from each other, build power together, and love each other.

When I read these stories, I laughed, was upset, sat down, stood back up — those feelings that tend to linger. I recognized myself in each of them.

—

I love New Haven. And, one of the most powerful things about love is that the means equal the ends. Process equals outcome. I believe that we have a chance to make the path towards our city’s future reflect the Yale and New Haven we collectively want: rooted in love, joy, strength, and courage.

I am grateful to the writers who you’ll get to know — and for Elizabeth, who worked with me to make it happen. Hope you enjoy the stories of New Haven and Yale.

Purchase a copy of New Haven and Yale here. All proceeds go towards the work of the Youth Advisory Board — the youth leadership board of Youth Continuum.