MotherSister Brooklyn

OK, I’m cheating a little on the first MotherSister Minute resident interview: Rico not only lives in Clinton Hill, he’s also an old friend. He’s a talented artist and writer, and he’s the National Director of Training & Site Development for the Posse Foundation, an organization that sends promising urban high-schoolers to universities in need of greater racial and economic diversity. Rico — who was a Posse Scholar himself at Vanderbilt University — is so effective in his role that he was recently honored at the Foundation’s annual gala, alongside Deval and Diane Patrick (governor and first lady of Massachusetts), Goldman Sachs, and Nancy Vickers (president of Bryn Mawr). His speech was so moving that Stephen Colbert found Rico to be a tough act to follow, and many of the attendees requested a copy of his remarks. He’s a great guy, and I’m glad he’s one of the people in my neighborhood.

LIVING HERE SINCE: May 2001.

WHY FORT GREENE/CLINTON HILL: Well, I was living in your place [Rico took over my studio on Fort Greene Park when The Hub and I moved in together.–Ed.], and I liked the neighborhood. The diversity can’t be beat.

FAVORITE PLACE IN THE AREA: I have two. First, Mega Cleaners [on Fulton Ave., near Washington Ave.]: Something about Luis, man, he just takes care of me. The second place is Olivino. It’s such a well-kept place, and the owner is a treat.

MIKE’S COFFEE SHOP OR PRATT COFFEE SHOP: Do I have to choose? To be honest, I would say Connecticut Muffin [at Myrtle and Clinton aves.]. I highly recommend the egg-and-cheese-on-a-bialy combination.

TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Here’s a little tip: The [graffiti] commentary on the ads in the subway — pay attention to that. It’s interesting to watch the racial dynamics. It’s still a very dynamic neighborhood.

Before The Scamp came along, I stopped into Apple Art infrequently, but now we’re in there at least once a month. Pratt art students obviously give them the business, but it’s also a great spot for kids’ art supplies, including crayons, washable markers, chalk, replacement paintbrushes, craft paper, and stickers. Mr. Lee, the dashing young owner, graciously submitted to the MotherSister Minute questionnaire.

OPENED: 1940.

WHY IN FORT GREENE/CLINTON HILL: It was an artist who opened the store — he lived upstairs. I heard through a friend of my father’s that it was for sale and in a nice neighborhood…so I bought it in 2004.

BESTSELLING ITEM: Architects’ supplies.

MIKE’S COFFEE SHOP OR PRATT COFFEE SHOP: Pratt. It’s friendly.

TIPS OR SUGGESTIONS ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: More restaurants!

Apple Art Supplies is at 321 DeKalb Ave. (at Hall/St.James; 718/399-2800). Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 2-7pm, and Sun 11am-6pm.