Kai Cogsville and Defend Harlem are leading the charge against housing inequity

Kai Cogsville was born and bred in Harlem's Sugar Hill section. He's seen the evolution of his neighborhood, and says there is no community in the world like it.

- By JASON PONTEROTTO

"It kind of felt like growing up in a big family, where people really rooted for you and were helping you and wanted to help you win," Cogsville said, noting that the changes have been "scary" as time and development places a new face on the area. "I wouldn't be where I am today without that community. It's essential to me and it's why we do the work we do." Now at age 34, he is passionate about addressing housing inequity in his community and is helping to lead the fight. He created the Defend Harlem online campaign for the New York Interfaith Commission for Housing Equity, where he serves as digital communications director.

Over the last three years, as a result of the campaign's founding in 2022, the group has held several rallies and town hall meetings, often working with Harlem elected leaders and in partnership with other community organizations such as Parents Supporting Parents NY and United Black Caucus.

Some of the meetings are held at venues such as Mount Olivet Baptist Church, in front of the State Office Building, and recently at Comedy in Harlem. The turnout of young people is one thing Cogsville says gives him hope that solutions are out there.

He's even become an open speaker at some of these events.

"I think it's important that people see someone like themselves that's involved in these issues. I think it makes it more attainable and shows that these are issues everyone should be involved with," Cogsville said.

Civic engagement is something that runs in Cogsville's family. His father, Donald was founder and president of the now-defunct Harlem Urban Development Corporation.