RBRATSPIES

(she/her) CUNY law professor, scholar of environmental justice and human rights, urbanist, author of Naming Gotham, mom, optimist (mostly)

Public Key

npub1ljzfje64gr8n7zy6h4vzetw9nm933m5yx60777q802zs7pf5ecgsqvchsc

NIP-05 Address

Rbratspies_at_mastodon.social@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs0epyeva25pnelpzdt6kpv4hzeajcca6zrd8l00qrh4pg0q56vuygpzemhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzv9hxg2aq0fd

Publishing to

relay.nostr.band

Author Public Key

npub1ljzfje64gr8n7zy6h4vzetw9nm933m5yx60777q802zs7pf5ecgsqvchsc

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Last Notes

2024-09-08 00:06:21

stole this from someone. can't remember whom. #apologies #caturday #truth
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2024-09-02 00:26:57

Me: hmmm. turns out today isn't #caturday. Who knew. . . ..
Leis: Everyday is Caturday, subcreature
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2024-08-15 00:45:39

geez, its not even #caturday. Rule in our house: No cats on the table (ha ha ha)
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/963/267/232/168/351/original/af3288b87a7c78e0.png

2024-08-15 00:45:39

geez, its not even #caturday. Rule in our house: No cats on the table (ha ha ha)
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/963/267/232/168/351/original/af3288b87a7c78e0.png

2024-06-12 23:50:51

Wanted to share my most recent article, co-written with community partners. In it, we reflect on our ongoing environmental justice collaboration, and offer our thoughts about how to conduct non-extractive research.
#environmentaljustice #climatejustice #research #equity
https://wilj.law.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1270/2024/06/Bratspies_Proof.pdf
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2024-05-04 20:15:35

its #caturday #CatsOfMastodon
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2024-03-15 11:41:34

Thought for the day #graffiti #NYC #streetart
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2024-03-05 19:44:46

Hey Long Island, Come gossip with me! #history #awardwinning #book @npub1yws…3naf @npub1wdh…jxfv #NYC #LongIsland #rockHall #NamingGotham #historymatters
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2024-03-04 16:53:08

Happy Casimir Pulaski Day! Fun Fact: Pulaski was the father of the American Cavalry and was almost definitely intersex. Researching Pulaski was a fun part of writing #NamingGotham #history #histodon #NYC #NewYork #historymatters #awardwinning #book @npub1yws…3naf @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2024-02-29 01:39:16

Everyday is #caturday, right?
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/012/205/664/962/135/original/d44ebb84cf85689e.jpg

2024-02-27 15:03:34

164 years ago today, Lincoln gave his "RIGHT MAKES MIGHT" speech at Cooper Union. William Cullen Bryant published the speech on the front page of The Post. While in NYC, Lincoln stayed at The Astor Hotel. Read about Bryant, Cooper, and Astor in #NamingGotham.
p.s. While in NYC, Lincoln sat for this famous Matthew Brady Photo. Lincoln claimed that the NYC day (and Brady and Cooper) made him president. #history #NYC #newyork #Lincoln #historybuff #historymatters #book @npub1wdh…jxfv @npub1yws…3naf
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/112/004/048/847/305/929/original/35a8eb87ca203858.png

2024-02-12 01:09:30

Since it is Black History Month, I thought I would share this blog post I wrote about Jane Matilda Bolin--the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the United States. Her story is pretty inspiring. And, New York City should rename the Queens-Midtown Tunnel to honor her! #NamingGotham #history #historymatters #blackhistorymonth #blacklawyers #NewYorkCity #NYC #histodon #awardwinning #book @histodons #historybuff #historyteacher https://www.historyinthemargins.com/2023/04/25/jane-matilda-bolin-another-guest-post-by-rebecca-bratspies/

2024-02-06 00:23:14

ICYMI Not good. #climatechange #climatecrisis #ocean https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00281-8

2024-02-02 16:16:39

Pleased to share my article "Energy Justice and Renewable Rikers." It is the lead article of the latest volume of the #MiamiLawReview. It draws in part on all the #history research I did for #NamingGotham. TLDR: If we start by prioritizing justice, we think about problems (and their answers) in new ways.
#EnvironmentalJustice #CloseRikers #RenewableRikers #climatechange #climatejustice #NewYork #NYC #histodons #NamingGotham #energyjustice https://repository.law.miami.edu/umlr/vol78/iss2/3/

2024-01-18 20:55:34

Got this text from a young friend yesterday. My first thought--"This is the kind of spontaneous publicity I need." Does anyone but me get it? #NamingGotham #NYC #NewYork #History #historymatters #historybuff #NewYorkCity #LinkNYC #TheJerk #histodons @npub1wdh…jxfv
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/778/924/996/042/745/original/d742a8b8f6a815a9.png

2024-01-14 16:01:00

What does it mean that I just saw both these things? #MixedMessages #NYC #Graffiti #Queens #NamingGotham
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2024-01-12 16:23:35

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@npub1ulm…hweg YIKES!!! That is the stuff of nightmares

2024-01-01 01:59:26

2024 hours to go . . . #NewYorkCity #History #NYC #NewYear #NamingGotham #Queens #Ramones
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2023-12-26 01:41:28

Every day is #caturday, right? I know tomorrow in Boxing Day, but in our house today is the ritual fight over the box. #Xmas #interfaith #catsofmastodon
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2023-12-25 21:11:55

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@npub1ulm…hweg @npub18lj…80hq @npub122z…csws @npub13ed…s5sm @npub1zp4…yw42 @npub1c46…uxs3 @npub13lv…5cs9 @npub1md8…lhh6 @npub13dt…lwxk @npub19aq…7n7p @npub1hrj…6p8k @npub1ty3…qjg3 @npub1qcv…j6c7 @npub1fgt…9zym @npub1r67…evpa @npub1aur…3m38 @npub155z…23rf @npub1yme…r5de
thank you all Looking forward to what you do in the New Year. And, here is local PSA
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2023-12-13 16:47:19

Is there a German word for the feeling when one of your favorite former students tweets that their dad is reading your book? #naminggotham #history #nyc #newyork #historybuff #BooksWorthReading #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-12-05 02:00:26

Found this gem tucked into my work notebook. The teen has apparently been listening to some of my book talks for Naming Gotham
#MajorDeegan #books #historybuff #historyteacher #bookstagram #naminggotham #nyc #history #historylover #newyork #truth
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/525/327/255/725/365/original/72e09379441f577b.png

2023-12-02 23:59:18

Can report that she hates wearing this hat just as much this year. #caturday
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2023-12-02 02:20:17

67 years ago today (Dec. 1, 1955) Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger.
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2023-11-22 17:48:16

Happy 80th Birthday to Billie Jean King. She is DEFINITELY one of the #heroes in #NamingGotham. Researching and writing the chapter about her was inspiring! I got to relive watching her wipe the floor with Bobby Riggs as a kid. Plus I learned how she has been a leader on #payequity #TitleIX and #LGBTQIA+ rights #Respect #nyc #history #tennis #newyork #newyorker #newyorkcity #historyfacts #historybuff #awardwinning #book #booktok @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-11-19 00:07:09

well, in today's parenting news, I now know what LARP-ing means

2023-11-17 20:42:04

This was a really fun podcast to record. I mean, who doesn't love the opportunity to talk about how great Jackie Robinson was. Loved showcasing these stories from Naming Gotham (and I definitely have a soft-spot for Adam Clayton Powell Jr.) #NYC #history #NamingGotham #NewYork #historylover @npub1wdh…jxfv https://www.battingthebreeze.com/beyond-the-baseball-color-line.

2023-11-10 15:38:54

Join me for a Zoom BOOK TALK: Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York’s Place Names Today (11/10) 3 P.M.
Registration Link: https://gc-cuny-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqde2gqTMsGdEnJO2QMslB-FZWnfRrL2eg#/registration
Hosted by The CUNY Academy
The Van Wyck, the Major Deegan, the Bruckner, the Hutch, the Jackie Robinson . . . these road are named for people. Who were they? The people behind iconic Gotham landmarks offer a unique window into the history of the greatest city in the world. #history #NYC #histodons @npub1wdh…jxfv #urban
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/386/996/132/915/283/original/15cd6975a8d11c37.jpg

2023-11-08 16:13:33

Come gossip with me! Nov. 16 at the Forest Hills Library 6 pm. All your Shea and Major Deegan needs will be met! #history #historybuff #NYC #newyork #books #reading
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2023-11-05 22:11:39

On 11/5/68, Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress. "Fighting" Shirley Chisholm rocked the House to its foundations. We all benefit from her trailblazing legacy. Definitely one of the heroes! #NewYork #NYC #History #Historian #historymatters #BlackWomen #NamingGotham #histodons @npub1wdh…jxfv https://www.amazon.com/Naming-Gotham-Villains-Rogues-Heroes/dp/1467151408
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/360/221/286/190/715/original/d013f89e83fa8906.jpg

2023-10-27 18:28:36

Daniel Mainwaring and I talk about Naming Gotham. We dig deep into what the names NYC gives its roads and bridges tells us about who we think we are, and about who gets to decide what counts as history. Plus, Dan experiences the "joys" of traffic on the Major Deegan. #NamingGotham #History #NYC #NewYork #NewYorker #historymatters #historybuff #awardwinning #book #histodons @npub1wdh…jxfv https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hDiVtiQ3WvnEV4jLDNcyX?si=4fPCfvofTduyyZ5wx33uXg

2023-10-22 20:14:37

Excited to see that Naming Gotham is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon this weekend. A little #history #gossip can be a welcome respite from the news. #NYC #NewYork #NewYorker #Historian #awardwinning #Book #histodons #historyteacher #historylover #NamingGotham
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/111/280/490/632/592/575/original/151465dfbedd8979.png

2023-10-19 14:15:43

Great fun talking with the inimitable Rafael Pi Roman about Naming Gotham, NYC history, and the gossipy backstory for so much urban infrastructure. #NYC #NewYork #NewYorkCity #History #historylover @npub1wdh…jxfv https://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2023/10/naming-gotham-0fxfe0/

2023-10-14 16:04:46

#caturday
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2023-10-05 23:30:59

hey @npub1wdh…jxfv check out this fascinating podcast about Edward II and Piers Gaveston #history https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/piers-gaveston-minion-of-a-hateful-king/id1586886761?i=1000628049791

2023-09-30 01:36:36

This is the first time I combined Naming Gotham, environmental justice, and sailing the Pacific on the Endeavour in a single podcast episode. #Endeavour #nyc #NamingGotham #NewYork #woodenship #adventure #history #historyteacher #historylover #woodenworld @npub1wdh…jxfv Listening to "Slow Boat to New Zealand? Rebecca Bratspies Shares Her Story" at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1017079/13453481

2023-09-23 18:46:43

On this rainy dreary day, want to cuddle up with a good book? How about with a podcast about a good book? I had fun talking with
#AuthorsAlcove about Major Deegan's less-than-spectacular military career, Kosciuszko's anti-slavery advocacy, Pulaski's gender identity and so much more! #history #nyc #newyork #newyorkcity #historian #historylover #infrastructure #urban #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv https://open.spotify.com/episode/2VID2DfvJtcFR6ClgZ72mC?si=rpUfCS-MROOAlXZr2UpWQQ

2023-09-20 23:29:49

Great article breaking down the complexities of NYC's Local Law 97 (the building retrofit law). Pete Sikora debunked a whole bunch of nonsense. #climatechange #NYC #climateaction #extinctionrebellion #climateleadership https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/carbon-free-buildings/nycs-big-building-decarbonization-law-faces-its-first-major-test

2023-09-19 18:10:14

Spent a wonderful evening with a room full of New York historians! So honored that my book Naming Gotham won the 2023 APHNYS award for Excellence in Promoting Local History! #history #newyork #nyc #NewYorkCity #historians #histodon #awardwinning #books @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-09-16 21:57:04

Enough with the dog, subcreature. Post about cats! #caturday #NewYear #ShanaTova
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2023-09-14 20:21:26

Man I Love NYC! Those pink shoes! And the bored New Yorkers paying him absolutely no mind. #subway #dog #dogsofmastodon #NamingGotham #NewYork #NYC #NewYorkCity
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2023-09-12 14:10:10

I am starting to love being a #podcast guest! Check out my #nyc #history chat with #professorbuzzkill! And, if you like it, please check out my book #NamingGotham (link in comments) #bookstagram #booktalk #historyfacts #book #historyteacher #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv https://professorbuzzkill.com/naming-gotham-the-villains-rogues-and-heroes-behind-new-yorks-place-names/

2023-09-08 22:58:12

No federal jurisdiction for you, (or you, or you . . . . coming soon) https://apnews.com/article/georgia-election-indictment-meadows-trump-af4caf235c831bd32ac6c72b218695b3

2023-09-04 13:52:58

somebody seems to think today is #caturday
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2023-09-03 01:31:24

having watched my spouse have complex partial seizures, it seems pretty clear to me that's what is happening to McConnell.

2023-09-02 15:42:56

Its a slow, pensive #caturday here in Astoria. #catsofmastodon
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2023-08-28 02:12:17

just had dinner with friends I had not seen in more than 20 years. I felt like we picked up right where we left off.

2023-08-27 00:44:27

just found what might be Leia's only baby picture. #caturday
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2023-08-26 20:27:14

This is incredible writing about #NYC, about gentrification, and about the complexities of placemaking. I considered including Boerum Hill in #naminggotham but decided the story was too complex for the space I had. Highly recommend Jonathan Lethem's deep dive! #history #NewYorkCity #historymatters #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/08/28/boerum-hill-brooklyn-gentrification-jonathan-lethem

2023-08-23 12:53:28

Hey #NYC, Naming Gotham book talk tonight at Housing Works! Moderated by Municipal Arts Society President Elizabeth Goldstein. If you're in town, come geek out with me about bureaucrats with roads, civil rights legends, & more (p.s. Housing Works has a bar . . .)
>>6 pm. 126 Crosby St.<<
https://www.mas.org/events/book-launch-conversation-rebecca-bratspies-naming-gotham/
#history #histodon #NewYork #NewYorkCity @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-08-16 16:40:50

Hey New Yorkers, need a NYC gossip/history fix? Join me on 8/23 for the first MAS + Housing Works author series. MAS President Elizabeth Goldstein and I will talk about Naming Gotham.Doors @ 6 PM. Event @ 6:30 PM. RSVP here: https://www.mas.org/events/book-launch-conversation-rebecca-bratspies-naming-gotham/ #history #NYC #NamingGotham #newyork #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-08-13 23:32:03

Seriously New Jersey?? Who thought it would be a good idea to name the entry to a suburban neighborhood "Loyalist Way"??? Right near a whole lot of Revolutionary War battle sites??? And of course the neighborhood is "Wellington West." The #satire practically writes itself. #Irony #History #historyfacts #suburban #NewJersey #NamingGotham #NYC #HistoryMatters #sad #histodon @npub1wdh…jxfv
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2023-08-12 00:14:48

Hey Mastodoners (is that a thing?) I just found out that my book Naming Gotham won an award for history excellence!! It's not public yet so I can't share the details, but wow! I am over the moon thrilled. #NamingGotham #AwardWinning #History #histodon #histodons #bookworm #historyteacher #newyork #newyorkcity (photo of some lovely #NYC #streetart just for fun)
https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/110/873/751/648/110/826/original/ece9d437587d6dde.jpeg

2023-08-01 22:07:30

Such a pleasure talking with Aneesh Prada’s about #environmentaljustice #climateaction and the role of #education in social justice. And comic books, of course. #ClimateCrisis #NamingGotham #NYC #GenZ gives me hope!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-make-a-difference/id1672775425?i=1000622918274

2023-07-18 23:52:51

Man I love New York! #NYC #NamingGotham #NewYork #Urban #History
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2023-07-18 23:44:26

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@npub15x4…3p3l yikes!

2023-07-17 18:00:28

Alas, my trusty I❤️NY water bottle gave up the ghost on the Bainbridge Ferry. That has to be a metaphor for something, right? #NYC #NamingGotham #Sustainability #Fail
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2023-07-15 20:40:26

its #caturday. But, I am far from home. So this "cat" is the best I can do.
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2023-07-06 19:37:18

Someone shared this but I don't remember who it was. Everyone should read it. https://normalislandnews.substack.com/p/man-called-charles-handled-record

2023-06-30 16:41:17

Their goal is to repeal the 20th century

2023-06-27 14:22:34

Moore. whew!

2023-06-21 14:53:34

Somewhat niche content, but the opening arguments in John Eastman's disbarment hearing were fascinating. Tune in all week for the testimony. DM me if you want the link

2023-06-19 12:43:37

Thinking today about Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., New York's first Black congressman (elected 1948.) His grandparents had been enslaved. In Congress, Powell proposed amendments prohibiting federal funding of any activity that racially discriminated. For years, his "Powell amendment" was purely symbolic--it never passed . . . Enemies accused him of grandstanding. In 1964, the Powell Amendment became Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. #persist #prevail #equality #justice #Juneteenth #NamingGotham
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2023-05-31 20:13:02

This might be the best "Reader Added Context" Ever!!
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2023-05-26 20:19:11

I really like Mastodon but feel like I have not really gotten the hang of using it yet. Hit me with your best tips please.

2023-05-08 23:13:00

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@npub1u3t…c6ug it is all projection all the time!