This story is part of a WNYC multimedia project called The People’s Guide to Power, which came out of the wave of activism that followed the 2016 presidential election. Get a closer look at how government works in our region – and how it doesn’t. See video and hear the stories of people who chose to get involved. And learn how you can take some steps into the fray. 

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election, the Arab community of south west Brooklyn said enough is enough. After a decade and a half of receding further and further into the shadows, avoiding government interaction as much as possible (dodging the census, not registering to vote), they realized they need to change tack.  

And so, with an open primary for a city council seat on the horizon, they decided to put forward a candidate — a Lutheran Minister by the name of Khader El-Yateem. Today, we look at the campaign in the 43rd district in Brooklyn, trying to get a glimpse of what it means for a long-silent community to try and find their voice.