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The Look Book Goes to a Democratic-Socialist Convention

On the Upper East Side, the NYC-DSA recently gathered to decide on its plans for 2023.

Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland
Photo: DeSean McClinton-Holland

Alicia T. Singham Goodwin (pictured above)
Unemployed, West Harlem

How are you feeling about 2024?
I don’t know what’s happening in 2024.

The next presidential election.
Oh, sorry. I truly haven’t thought about that election, or about Biden, at all. I’m laser-focused on our work in New York. I’m an abolitionist, so I work within the Racial Justice Working Group on the Defund the NYPD campaign. I also sit on the Socialists in Office committee. And I just read an article about New York City landlords holding nearly 90,000 rent-stabilized apartments vacant. I believe that’s happening in my building, so, yeah, I’ve got lots to think about.

Diana Moreno

Nonprofit director, Astoria

Honda Wang

City clerical worker, Midtown East


We heard there was a DSA choir?

Yes. I was upset that they didn’t have time to sing “Solidarity Forever.” I know during the strike at the Hunts Point Produce Market, workers were playing Bad Bunny, but I do enjoy some classic 1900s Industrial Workers of the World bangers at the same time.

Bit Penguin

Electronics modifier, Bensonhurst

Darren Goldner

Tech worker, Windsor Terrace


Were you raised in a socialist household?

Yes. I think the term is red-diaper baby. It was normal for my dad to quote Marx at home, and both of my parents would very clearly call out the forces of capitalism when they saw them at play.

Kay Gabriel

University instructor, Ridgewood

Daniel Goulden

Teacher, Kensington

Anna Baker-Heans

Organizer, Astoria

Claire Valdez

Administrative assistant, Ridgewood

Christina Cover

Special-education teacher, Belmont

Ella Mahony

Organizer, Crown Heights

Beverly Solow

Lactation consultant, Inwood

Tony Castellano

Model analyst, Freehold Township, New Jersey


What resolution was most debated?

The 1-2-3-4 resolution, about whether we have to be up front about our socialist identity while campaigning. I’d say 60 percent of us were nervous about being open about being socialist. I’m part of the 40 percent that thinks we should at least work it in. It’s not like you have to say “We’re socialists” the second they open the door.

Krisstofer Marchena

Art curator, Elmhurst

Kayleen Peña

Government staffer, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Kara McCurdy

Wedding photographer, Astoria

Kaarthika Thakker

Organizer, Astoria

Charlie Baker

Live-music manager, Union Square


What does your sweatshirt say?

“Green New Deal Before It Deals With You.” It’s our candidate Sarahana Shrestha’s campaign merch. One time I was wearing it on a dance floor and a woman bought it online on the spot. You know you’ve got cool merch when someone logs into ActBlue in the middle of a DJ set.

Jorge Rocha

Software engineer, Bushwick

Photographs by DeSean McClinton-Holland

Diana Moreno

Nonprofit director, Astoria

Honda Wang

City clerical worker, Midtown East


We heard there was a DSA choir?

Yes. I was upset that they didn’t have time to sing “Solidarity Forever.” I know during the strike at the Hunts Point Produce Market, workers were playing Bad Bunny, but I do enjoy some classic 1900s Industrial Workers of the World bangers at the same time.

Bit Penguin

Electronics modifier, Bensonhurst

Darren Goldner

Tech worker, Windsor Terrace


Were you raised in a socialist household?

Yes. I think the term is red-diaper baby. It was normal for my dad to quote Marx at home, and both of my parents would very clearly call out the forces of capitalism when they saw them at play.

Kay Gabriel

University instructor, Ridgewood

Daniel Goulden

Teacher, Kensington

Anna Baker-Heans

Organizer, Astoria

Claire Valdez

Administrative assistant, Ridgewood

Christina Cover

Special-education teacher, Belmont

Ella Mahony

Organizer, Crown Heights

Beverly Solow

Lactation consultant, Inwood

Tony Castellano

Model analyst, Freehold Township, New Jersey


What resolution was most debated?

The 1-2-3-4 resolution, about whether we have to be up front about our socialist identity while campaigning. I’d say 60 percent of us were nervous about being open about being socialist. I’m part of the 40 percent that thinks we should at least work it in. It’s not like you have to say “We’re socialists” the second they open the door.

Krisstofer Marchena

Art curator, Elmhurst

Kayleen Peña

Government staffer, Bedford-Stuyvesant

Kara McCurdy

Wedding photographer, Astoria

Kaarthika Thakker

Organizer, Astoria

Charlie Baker

Live-music manager, Union Square


What does your sweatshirt say?

“Green New Deal Before It Deals With You.” It’s our candidate Sarahana Shrestha’s campaign merch. One time I was wearing it on a dance floor and a woman bought it online on the spot. You know you’ve got cool merch when someone logs into ActBlue in the middle of a DJ set.

Jorge Rocha

Software engineer, Bushwick

Photographs by DeSean McClinton-Holland

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The Look Book Goes to a Democratic-Socialist Convention