In the 1970s and early 1980s, The East, based in Central Brooklyn, had been a cultural and educational institution for lower caste people. It used music, dance, and food in its communitywide consciousness raising programs to attract people. Jitu Weusi one of the leading figures of the organization described its members governing political and identity consciousness lower caste black people first and that reality shaped their decisions. The East focused on meeting community needs such as affordable nutrient rich food . Weusi insisted, we must act “to correct our situation ourselves,” championing grassroots solution and community member developed programs. Members of The East used their money instead of public funding or bank loans to start its on school and food centered businesses such as a catering business, bakery and café, and a food co-op among other initiatives.
