On a block surrounded by Black-owned businesses people gathered to celebrate the Black community as advertised on @buildingblackbedstuy.
Kai Avent-deLeon, Rajini Jacques, Nana Yaa, and Sonia Yolanda formed the organization just this year. These four women have worked towards improving their neighborhood despite the pandemic, police brutality, and other hardships that this year has brought. While none of them responded to questions, their Instagram bio describes their dedication to “protect and preserve the Black community”. So far they’ve already fundraised to support The Watoto Free School, a pre-school that’s challenging educational norms with a Black-centered curriculum. The second fundraiser, is currently underway and will support two community businesses that their followers nominate.
Building Black Bedstuy’s block party showcased a variety of vendors, and non-profit organizations that serve the Black community. Most of the representatives were Black, or people of color, but Carbon and Gil were the only two that were white. Both of them are members the Uhurua Solidarity Movement, a white solidarity group. The members focus on finding ways to use their white privilege to benefit Black people, like by using their platform to educate. Before the pandemic, the group hosted raves or parties and all of the money earned was used to provide welfare to members of the Black community, regardless of their status. Carbon emphasized that “It’s not charity work, it’s reparations.”
There were a lot items up for sale at the block party. The selection ranged from clothes, to tarot readings, to cookies and other desserts. A vendor named Jasmine, was there selling clothes that she personally hand-dyed. She explained that dying clothes was a creative experience for her, that allowed her to captured and express her experiences as a Black woman. “Clothes are like armor to me” she said, “And it’s powerful to wear your emotions as armor.” Jasmine records her process and sells her clothes on her Instagram, @amp.wata.
Another vendor named K Denai was there, but her main goal wasn’t really to sell her book. “I’m here to give my book the time and promotion it deserves,” she said “I’m here for me”. Her book, Letters I Wrote But Never Sent, is a bunch of notes that she wrote for herself or loved ones that she collected over 5 years. During those 5 years Denai was getting used to life in New York City, which was a lot to get used to since she was from Michigan. She explained that putting the book together was a reflective experience, and it opened doors for her. “I learned a lot about myself, and realized I wasn’t alone.” K Denai described that her corporate job has prevented her from focusing on selling her book, and was grateful for the opportunity to represent herself at the block party.
A floral designer named Karla was also in attendance making floral arrangements for the people there. She runs her own floral design studio, called Olivee Floral. Karla also manages to make weekly deliveries, installations, attend events and have pop up shops. Despite the fact that she’s moved from Toronto to Crown Heights, she was at the block party to give Bed-Stuy’s community its flowers.
One of the vendors that stood out was Five Star Pharmacy, a Black-owned business run by a family of pharmacists. Richard explained that finishing pharmacy school made him realize the importance of a part of his family’s business. In addition to being an uncommon Black-owned business, the members of the Five Star Pharmacy family prides themselves with being what Stephanie described as “patient advocates”, which other pharmacies aren’t. She explained that this means that they are fixated on giving their customers what was best for them regardless of it’s prescriptions or CBD products.
While the vendors of Building Black Bed-Stuy’s block party were important, the volunteers that kept it running were crucial too. People like Dominic and Franis spent the day making sure that things were running smoothly and safely for the attendees and the hosts. They made sure that everyone was wearing masks and as socially distant as possible. Both found out about the opportunity because they follow the organizers on Instagram. Francis looked forward to be empowered by the other Black women around her and Dominic was enthusiastic about being around Black positivity.
Darren and Imani were two of the many people that went to the block party. They, like many of the other participants, were there to support their friends that were selling products. Imani mentioned that one was selling incense while the other was selling bags. With flourish she showed off her outfit and beamed about spending her last bits of NYC summer at the block party. “I’m here to see Black folks be happy” Imani said as Darren nodded in agreement.
Building Black Bed-Stuy’s first block party succeeded in gathering a bunch of different people to celebrate Black people and support their businesses. On September 19th, the group took a huge step towards their goals of generating Black wealth and liberating the community.
