The Best of Brooklyn: 5 Famous People from BK

Brooklyn has many things to boast about. One of them is that it is home to many notable Americans who have played important roles in many areas of life, including politics and entertainment.

Their legacy lives on in today's generation, who learn from the best that anything is possible.

Here are five people who grew up in Brooklyn:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, affectionately known as “RBG,” a beloved advocate for women's rights and gender equality, served as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1993 to 2020. Born in Brooklyn in 1933, Ginsburg was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession and became a cultural icon. Her work on groundbreaking cases such as United States v. Virginia helped advance women's rights in America. She died in 2020.

Shawn Carter or “Jay-Z”

Billionaire rapper Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z, was born and raised in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects in Bedford Stuyvesant. He rose to fame with his debut album “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996 and has since cemented his position as one of the world's most famous rappers with numerous Grammy Awards.

Barbra Streisand

The singer, actress and director is celebrated for her achievements in music, film and theater. Born in Brooklyn, Streisand began her career as a nightclub singer before finding success on Broadway. She has won several awards, including Oscars, Grammys and Emmys, and is one of the most successful recording artists of all time. Streisand is also known for her directing work in films such as Yentl and Lord of the Tides.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was a pioneering American politician, educator, and author, best known as the first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Born in Brooklyn to Caribbean immigrants, Chisholm represented New York's 12th congressional district from 1969 to 1983. She was also the first black candidate from a major party for the nomination for President of the United States, running as a Democrat in 1972. Chisholm was a strong advocate for education and job opportunities for minorities and was known for her slogan “Unbought and Unbossed.” Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of political leaders today.

Chris Rock

Comedian and actor Chris Rock was born in South Carolina but moved to Bedford Stuyvesant as a toddler. Rock's popular stand-up routines were characterized by his high, blunt voice and his habit of pacing the stage. He addressed topics that many comedians would shy away from, including politics and race – and did so with fearlessness, candor and honesty. His performances were ironically blunt and even profane, but had the feel of a sermon.

These individuals represent a diverse range of talents and achievements and all share a home in Brooklyn.