It’s Been 25 Years Since 9/11, and This New Video Series Highlights the Resilience of Lower Manhattan

2 min read

There’s nowhere quite like the melting pot of New York City: It oozes history, culture, delicious food, and sheer verve like no other place can. (Especially post-Knicks championship.) It’s also a city that, in the past two decades alone, has been forced to endure a number of hardships—most notably the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

For all the things NYC is known for, frailty is not one of them. Which is merely to echo the words of World Trade Center developer Larry Silverstein: “Never bet against New York, because New York will come back bigger and better than ever.”

Inspired by this quote as we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we’ve partnered with Silverstein Properties for the release of the docuseries Never Bet Against New York. Below, you’ll find 11 episodes that highlight local artists, CEOs, residents, and more, each speaking about their connection to Lower Manhattan. Many of them discuss what changed for them in the aftermath of 9/11, what they like most about living and working here, and the roles they’ve played in transforming the place they love for the better. After all, the city that never sleeps is nothing if not resilient, and those of us lucky enough to call it home are living proof of that.

BILL DACUNTO

Former head of operations for the World Trade Center Bill Dacunto tells his story of surviving the 9/11 attacks.

BILL RAUCH

Inaugural artistic director of Perelman Performing Arts Center Bill Rauch reflects on the center’s role in rebuilding the arts.

JESSICA LAPPIN

Jessica Lappin, president of Downtown Alliance, speaks to the enduring resolve and energy of Lower Manhattan.

KERRY IRVINE

Abstract artist Kerry Irvine speaks about her sister Kristy and what keeps her working in downtown Manhattan.

LUCILLE YIP

Lucille Yip, nurse turned baker and owner of Sweet Lu Bakery, on what made her leave the city—and what brought her back.

MING CHEN

Ming Chen, street photographer, on how he captures the ever-shifting cityscape of NYC.

MICHAEL MEYERS, A.K.A. “PIANO MIKE”

Teacher and pianist Michael Meyers—more commonly known as Piano Mike—gets out of his comfort zone and shares music with those passing through the Oculus.

PURELY PATRICIA FOX

A “colorful person living in a beige world,” Purely Patricia Fox more than represents a city full of possibilities and self-expression.

MARY ANN TIGHE

Bronx-born Mary Ann Tighe, CEO of CBRE, discusses her upbringing in the city and what keeps her hopeful for the future.

MARCUS SAMUELSSON

Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson shares the inspiration behind his restaurant Metropolis, in 1 World Trade.

KATHLEEN ZDANOWICZ

Zola social media manager Kathleen Zdanowicz speaks to that special pull of the city and how she has navigated her way through it.

Sofia Lodato (she/her) is a staff writer at Oprah Daily. Aside from reading, writing, and wellness, she is a lover of all things media-related, and can usually be found overanalyzing her latest favorite show, album, or video game.