Bringing Muslim Culture to Brooklyn

Muslim artist Brooklyner Nsenga Knight has found that historically, Brooklyn has lacked any real Muslim culture. Some years ago – equipped with her research grant – she went to the Brooklyn Historical Society looking for available information on Muslims in Brooklyn. She found hardly anything. The East Flatbush-raised Knight explained:

“They’re missing a lot of stuff. There were hardly any images of Muslims in their archives. They didn’t have that many images of black people. The archive of Brooklyn isn’t necessarily representing Brooklyn.”

Thankfully since then there have been some major developments in the expression of Muslim information and culture in Brooklyn.   Much of this can be attributed to the work the Brooklyn Historical Society’s oral historians did. They went around the area and conducted interviews with dozens of Muslims in an effort to “fill the gaping cultural hole in [the museum’s] archives.”

This resulted in the assemblage of 54 oral histories, totaling 100+ hours of audio – all which was published for the public. Along with immigrants from Pakistan, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago (among other places), many of the interviewees were born and raised in Brooklyn and hail from various religious sects such as the Nation of Islam, Shiite and Sunni.  They have now substantially filled the gap

IFP Week 2019

Two days ago saw the beginning of the 41^st annual IFP Festival. The Independent Filmmaker Project seeks to “foster the development, production and promotion of hundreds of feature and documentary films a year.”  It is the “largest and longest running not-for-profit dedicated to independent film,” and is dedicated to the indie filmmaker.

Taking place in Brooklyn, some of the events that are taking place until 19^th September include:

1.       Screening: The Report (CIA agents’ interrogation following 9/11 attacks)

2.       New Voices! Reading Series Sponsored by Sagindie

3.       Screening: Knock Down the House (four women taking on the establishment)

4.       Screening: American Factory

This week long event has been lauded as being the “premiere place to meet bold talent and learn about exciting projects through curated meetings with 150 new feature, documentary, series and VR projects from over 22 countries.”

Citizens For A Better Community

2019 Children’s Entertainment. The Artistic Talents Show with Producer Melvin Isaac, blessings from: Rev Doctor Brenda Lyken, Father Gopaul and many others.  Featuring the following vendors: FDNY, East Flatbush Villages Inc., Brooklyn Voter Alliance (Census 2020), Candice Reid of the Dept. of Health, Sharon Pence of Healthy Homes Program, Astascend Latoya Jones of the East Flatbush Community Partnership Program Public School Charter among many others.

There were also many generous donors for this event and elected officials in attendance.

“You’re Hungry Again?” Kids and Summer!

how many times have your kids just sensed you were nearby and said “mommy I’m hungry” during the seemingly endless summer vacation?  Thankfully, Brooklyn Public Library has that covered.  Well, at least some of it. Children and teenagers can get a free lunch meal Monday through Friday.  So that’s a start!

Other free stuff to do locally is happening at The Plaza, primarily on Mondays.  Located at 300 Ashland, on the first Monday of each month you can join a high intensity interval training workout.  The Chelsea Piers BK Burn  is a core-tightening workout utilizing strength exercises and cardio.  On the second Monday of each month, try out the Bollywood star dance.  BollyX is a great way to unleash the star in you! On the third Mondays there is a great way to sweat and have fun with the Beyoncé Dance Workshop. So if you want to get moving and in shape this summer, The Plaza is the place to do it.

For other fun stuff that don’t include strutting your stuff take your families to Albee Square for movie showings. And next Sunday go have fun at the BK Block Party.

You don’t have to spend a fortune in the summer.  You just have to plan well.

Local Culture

Each year on the last weekend of July, Governors Island is home to the New York City Poetry Festival.  For two days, 14,000 people enjoy the poetry of 250 poets.  Only July 27^th and 28^th, starting at 11am (and ending the first day at 7pm and the second at 5pm), this spectacular event is free and open to the public. 

Some of the big names this year include:

1.      Chen Chen (currently a Jacob Ziskind Poet-in-Residence at Brandeis University);

2.      Dorothea Lasky (currently an Assistant Professor of Poetry at Columbia University’s School of the Arts)

3.      Lynn Melnick (currently teaches poetry at Columbia University and the 92Y, and works with saferLIT)

Mark your calendars for September 6 – 8 for a cultural connection closer to home.  Launched by Marsha Massiah of The Idea Room Corp., this unprecedented festival seeks to “deliver a product that truly reflects the dynamic relationship between the borough of Brooklyn and its Caribbean inhabitants and the unique personality.”

Brooklyn’s Books

Books have not necessarily been synonymous with Brooklyn historically. But things can change and with the summer upon us, why not use this opportunity to encourage our kids to get off their devices and open a book?

Brooklyn’s Public Library has a wonderful summer reading program.  Developed in an effort to encourage young readers to take advantage of the library and not stop their reading once school is out, this year’s theme is “Universe of Stories.”  According to CEO and President of Brooklyn Public Library, Linda Johnson said:

“Being away from school over those months really can result in children losing some of the skills they’ve gained over the school (year), so we are here with our librarians and our staff helping children read all summer long and giving the incentives to read all summer long.”

Brooklyn’s Public Library is doing more than just encouraging kids to read over the summer.  It recently revealed design plans of its smallest (and newest) addition: the Adams Street Library in DUMBO.  This will be the first new branch of the library in 36 years.  Featuring a meeting room, multipurpose space and different sections for adults, teens and children, as well as suggestions put out by community members.

Brooklynites at BK9

Love food?  Love Brooklyn?  Then the next step has to be BK9.  Check out this video in which BK9 owners give a little tour of this hidden gem located at 62 5^th Avenue, Brooklyn.