Majora Carter on Reclaiming Your Community and Restorative Capitalism

In this inspiring episode #56 of Stories Sustain Us, host Steven Schauer sits down with Majora Carter, award-winning urban revitalization strategist, real estate developer, and author of Reclaiming Your Community. From growing up in the South Bronx during the “burning Bronx” era to spearheading transformative projects like Hunts Point Riverside Park and the Boogie Down Grind Café, Majora shares her deeply personal journey of resilience, creativity, and community leadership. She opens up about her family’s history in the Great Migration, the pivotal role her mother played in fostering her love of learning, and the turning point when her dog, Xena, led her to the Bronx River — a moment that sparked a cascade of change for her neighborhood. Majora discusses her “talent retention” approach to community development, the power of restorative capitalism, and her bold vision for creating spaces that inspire residents to stay, thrive, and build generational wealth. This conversation is a masterclass in turning personal passion into systemic change. About the Guest Majora Carter is a real estate developer, urban revitalization strategy consultant, MacArthur Fellow, Peabody Award winning broadcaster, and teaches at Princeton University. She's responsible for the creation of numerous economic developments, technology inclusion projects, green-infrastructure developments & policies, and job training & placement systems. Carter applies corporate talent-retention consulting practice to reduce Brain Drain in American low-status communities. She has firsthand experience pioneering sustainable economic development in one of America's most storied low-status communities: the South Bronx, as well as cities across North America and abroad. She currently serves on the board of directors for STREB and Solar One, and has served on the boards of the US Green Building Council, Ceres, The Wilderness Society, and the Andrew Goodman Foundation. Majora was born, raised and continues to live in the South Bronx. She is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science (1984), Wesleyan University (1988 BA, Distinguished Alum) and New York University (MFA). After establishing Sustainable South Bronx (2001) and Green For All (2007), among other organizations, she opened this private consulting firm (2008) - which was named Best for the World by B-Corp in 2014. While at Sustainable South Bronx, Carter deployed MIT’s first ever Mobile Fab-Lab (digital fabrication laboratory) to the South Bronx - where it served as an early iteration of the “Maker-Spaces” found elsewhere today. The project drew residents and visitors together for guided and creative collaborations. In addition, Majora Carter launched StartUp Box, a ground-breaking tech social enterprise that provided entry-level tech jobs in the South Bronx, operating it from 2014-2018. Majora Carter has helped connect tech industry pioneers such as Etsy, Gust, FreshDirect, Google, and Cisco to diverse communities at all levels. Show Notes Majora Carter Group website: https://majoracartergroup.com/ LinkedIn:   / majora-carter-8649529   X: https://x.com/majoracarter Takeaways • Roots in the South Bronx – Majora’s childhood was shaped by both hardship and the strength of a tightly knit community during the disinvestment and destruction of the “burning Bronx.” • Family Legacy & The Great Migration – Her parents moved north seeking opportunity, and their sacrifices laid the foundation for her achievements. • The Power of Early Encouragement – A private writing mentor at age six showed her the value of mentorship and possibility. • Rediscovering Home – Returning for grad school and engaging with local arts projects rekindled her connection to her neighborhood. • The Xena Moment – A morning run with her dog led to discovering the Bronx River and sparked the creation of Hunts Point Riverside Park. • Talent Retention Model – Her strategy focuses on keeping local talent in low-status communities through amenities, economic opportunities, and pride of place. • Restorative Capitalism – Using economic tools to benefit entire communities, not just a few at the top. • Current Projects – Revitalizing a historic rail station, creating a transit-oriented development with housing, jobs, and a hotel, and honoring historical figures like Elizabeth Gloucester. • Hope for the Future – Building a world where communities can rest easy knowing they have enough — fostering generosity, dignity, and opportunity.