From Redlining to Real Integration: A Vision for Equity in New York

New York Appleseed advocates for integrated schools and communities across New York City and State. Since 2012, Appleseed has been at the forefront of integrating New York City’s public school system, infamously known as one of the most segregated school systems in the country as reported by the New York Times and UCLA Civil Rights Project.

Decades of redlining and residential segregation—coupled with modern-day exclusionary admissions practices—have limited opportunity and access for the city’s most marginalized students, resulting in nearly 70% of NYC public schools being intensely segregated.

Black and Brown students, English Language Learners, students in temporary housing, low-income students, and students with disabilities continue to bear the brunt of these inequities. They are more likely to attend under-resourced schools, face higher suspension rates, receive less access to counselors and enrichment, and be excluded from high-quality learning environments due to discriminatory and under-resourced admissions processes.

New York Appleseed recognizes that segregation is not accidental—it is the result of intentional policy decisions, and it will take equally intentional strategies to undo it.

Appleseed remains a consistent and trusted voice for justice, advocating for inclusive policies, supporting school and community leaders, and advancing the vision of a multiracial democracy and a Beloved community where all students and families can thrive.

500+
Community Members Reached

Parents, advocates, educators, and students reached through direct workshops, events, or webinars in the past 3 years

30+
Public Schools

Reached across all 5 boroughs through toolkit use, workshops, or technical assistance

Our Impact

3
Citywide Coalitions

Co-led by New York Appleseed to advance equitable, inclusive, and integrated schools—with participation from 15+ partner organizations and individual advocates across NYC

It doesn't take an army to make a difference

Meet the wonder trio behind the work

Nyah Berg

she/her

Executive Director

nberg@nyappleseed.org

Nyah leads efforts to advance integrated schools and communities across New York City. With nearly a decade of experience in education equity and public policy, Nyah has overseen impactful initiatives that have resulted in major policy wins, most notably, significant reforms to promote fairness, transparency, and integration in New York City’s middle and high school admissions processes. Previously, Nyah served as the Education Equity Organizer at ERASE Racism, where she led the Student Voices Campaign and played a central role in shaping the Education Equity Initiative on Long Island. Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized by City & State Magazine, which named her one of New York State’s most powerful education leaders in 2021. Nyah’s professional and personal experiences deeply inform her work. As a biracial Black woman raised in a suburb outside of Boston, she brings a lived understanding to the complexities of addressing school and community segregation. Her commitment to educational justice is rooted in both her personal history and a professional career focused on amplifying the voices of students, families, and communities too often excluded from decision-making. She holds a Master’s degree in Education Policy and Law from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Educational Studies from Vassar College. Nyah remains dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable public education system that prepares all students to thrive in a multiracial democracy.

Rochelle Du

she/her

Integrated Schools Project Coordinator

rdu@nyappleseed.org

Rochelle Du joins New York Appleseed as the Integrated Schools Project Coordinator after working as an English teacher in Taiwan for 2 years. As a second-generation immigrant who grew up in a predominantly white suburb, she witnessed firsthand the lack of culturally-sensitive education and thus strived to create sustainable change for current and future learners, especially those coming from marginalized backgrounds. She was a member of Community of Volunteer Educators and helped develop innovative academic programming to reduce educational inequities, expanded access to equitable learning opportunities, and managed a virtual afterschool program during COVID-19. Additionally, she volunteered at East Harlem School at Exodus House teaching Mandarin Chinese, reading, writing, and math to elementary school students. Excited to marry her passions of social justice and education, Rochelle is using her voice and privilege to advocate for equitable integration, culturally-responsive education, and generational abundance. Rochelle holds a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Linguistics and a minor in Education from Binghamton University.

Antonia Martinelli

she/her

PTAlink Parent Coordinator

amartinelli@nyappleseed.org

With experience as both a PTA president and a Community Education Council member, she has engaged with education stakeholders to advocate for critical school needs at all levels of NYC Public Schools (DOE) and local government. Antonia understands the endless challenges that our schools face and has deep respect for the countless hours that volunteers devote to enriching their schools. She also understands that PA/PTAs require both support and information to build inclusive, active, engaged school communities. Over the past seven years, Antonia has collaborated with countless public school parents, teachers, principals, NYC Public School officials, and elected officials. She has worked with the DOT to bring attention to pedestrian safety around schools and brought press attention to various education issues, particularly inequitable middle school admissions policies. She has developed advocacy strategies for parents and drafted resolutions that became templates for other districts to mobilize around issues relevant to both PTAlink and New York Appleseed overall mission furthering integrated schools and communities. As a parent of three and a dedicated organizer within numerous NYC communities, Antonia brings a wealth of invaluable insights to PTALink and the NY Appleseed team.