While it is challenging to provide an exhaustive list of all notable individuals who have come from Nostrand Houses, here are a few individuals who have achieved recognition in their respective fields:
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Roxanne Shanté: Roxanne Shanté, born Lolita Gooden in 1969, is an American rapper and actress. She grew up in Nostrand Houses and is known for her contributions to the hip-hop genre, particularly as a pioneer of the “freestyle” rap style.
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Chinx: Chinx, born Lionel Pickens in 1983, was an American rapper and songwriter. He grew up in Nostrand Houses and is known for his contributions to the hip-hop genre, releasing several popular mixtapes and collaborating with artists such as French Montana.
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Donn Clendenon: Donn Clendenon (1935-2005) was an American professional baseball player. He spent part of his childhood in Nostrand Houses and is known for his career as a first baseman with several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets, and for his role in helping the Mets win the 1969 World Series.
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Angela Davis: Angela Davis, born in 1944, is an American political activist, philosopher, and author. She spent part of her childhood in Nostrand Houses and is known for her work in promoting social justice, particularly in the areas of race and gender.