Spotlight on Leadership:

Mr. Joseph Dupree and the

Marcus Garvey & Seth Low

Older Adult Clubs

Located in the heart of Brooklyn at 1440 East New York Avenue, the Marcus Garvey Older Adult Club has been proudly serving the Brownsville community since 2014. As part of Fort Greene Council’s network of Older Adult Clubs, Marcus Garvey OAC offers a vibrant, supportive environment where older adults can thrive, connect, and lead healthy, active lives.

This September, we are especially excited to shine a light on both the Marcus Garvey and Seth Low Older Adult Clubs, and by extension their dedicated Program Coordinator, Mr. Joseph Dupree.

“Dedication to the older adults of my community has always been a passion of mine, and I have been fortunate to be involved in senior services for quite some time. I believe that providing guidance and support to our members as they pursue their passions later in life is essential. Many members I’ve worked with have had a significant impact on my professional development. They have offered me guidance, support, and valuable feedback that have helped me to grow and succeed as a Program Director.” – Joseph Dupree

Mr. Dupree takes great pride in providing his members with resources, advocacy, and connections that open doors for future success. Members of both Marcus Garvey and Seth Low consistently express their gratitude for his leadership and his commitment to ensuring that every older adult feels supported and valued.

Despite working with a large number of members, Mr. Dupree sees each relationship as unique and deeply personal.

“I believe my role is highly individualized, and I approach each older adult’s needs on a case-by-case basis,”he explains. “I work closely with each of my members to understand their challenges, and I tailor my approach to best meet their needs.”

What sets Mr. Dupree apart is his compassion and empathy. When members share personal experiences about the challenges of aging in a rapidly changing Brooklyn, he listens carefully, affirms their concerns, and takes proactive steps to connect them to relevant resources and government services. His periodic check-ins provide reassurance that his members are never alone in navigating life’s transitions.

His success is reflected in the success of his members. Since joining Fort Greene Council, his wealth of experience and thoughtful feedback have not only benefited his clubs but have also been a valuable resource to his colleagues across the organization.

This September, we proudly honor Mr. Joseph Dupree for his steadfast dedication, compassion, and commitment to the mission of Fort Greene Council. His leadership embodies what it means to serve with heart, and we thank him for making a lasting difference in the lives of older adults across Brooklyn.

 Étienne Eaton,

Fort Greene Council, Inc. Marketing Manager

For more than 20 years, Mr. Errol Hall has been a shining example of what it means to live with purpose, community, and creativity. A longtime member of the Marcus Garvey Older Adult Club—and a proud resident who lives right upstairs—Mr. Hall has dedicated decades of his life to uplifting those around him.

Whether he is making beautiful macramé creations like bags, belts, flower pot holders, or hammocks, or preparing delicious meals as an excellent cook, Mr. Hall pours his passion and talent into everything he does. He is a proud father, a friendly neighbor, and a dedicated member of the Marcus Garvey Houses Tenant Patrol, ensuring safety and care for his fellow residents.

At the Older Adult Club, Mr. Hall doesn’t just participate—he leads events and trips with enthusiasm, encouraging others to join in and reminding everyone of the importance of staying active, social, and connected. His compassion shines through in his constant concern for other older adults and their involvement at the center.

Wellness & Active Aging: The Brain Benefits of Crafting

Research shows that creative hobbies like macramé do more than create beauty—they also keep the mind sharp. Arts and crafts stimulate memory, attention span, creativity, and problem-solving skills, all of which can help delay or prevent age-related memory decline and dementia. Studies confirm that staying mentally active through crafting supports neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and grow, even in older age.

Mr. Hall’s love of macramé, combined with his active lifestyle and dedication to others, represents the best of what Fort Greene Council stands for—active aging, community, and resilience.

We thank Mr. Hall for his steadfast membership, leadership, and commitment to both the Marcus Garvey Older Adult Club and the wider Fort Greene community. His life reminds us that with creativity, kindness, and connection, aging can truly be a celebration of strength and wisdom.