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Historic and History-Making

David Mark Greaves
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Women’s History Month 2016 has been a
whirlwind of activity for community leader
Annette Robinson, center. She’s preparing for
her tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the leader who
inspired her; and now follows in the footsteps
of the nation’s first Black woman presidential
candidate (Chisholm), by inspiring Brooklyn’s
crop of young politicos seeking guidance. Seen
here at Sugar Hill Restaurant and Supper Club,
Saturday, March 19, 2016, with New York State
Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson, 56th AD
(center) are, left to right: Henry Butler, District
Manager of Community Board 3 and President,
Vanguard Independent Democratic Association
(VIDA) who also is a Delegate pledged to support
Hillary Clinton; Tremaine Wright, chair, Community
Board 3 and in the running for Robinson’s 56th
AD seat; Geoffrey Davis, a district leader and
founder/president of the James E. Davis Stop
The Violence Foundation; City Councilman
Robert E. Cornegy, Jr., 36th Council District;
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.); New York State
Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, 55th AD; and
New York State Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley,
57th AD. Photo credit: John McCarten (and
courtesy Robert E. Cornegy Jr.)

Next month, New York State Assemblywoman Annette Robinson formally announces her decision to step down. It’s been a long, hard run for the ardent community activist and stateswoman; we remember how she showed up at events others avoided or deemed politically unimportant.
But last week, the 56th AD leader, a stickler for protocol, presented the message first to members of the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA), a pioneering club which stands on foundations of community activism developed by a founder, Al Vann.
Several hundred people, mostly titan VIDA activists, came out to this breakfast meeting that easily moved into brunch at Sugar Hill Restaurant on Nostrand Avenue; they represented all areas of the community trust.
And there was more news to share at the Woman’s History Month event hosted by VIDA president Henry Butler, now the Brooklyn delegate for Hillary Clinton. The organization declared support of Ms. Clinton’s candidacy and Assemblywoman Robinson announced she was handing her
state-assembly baton to Tremaine Wright, Bedford-Stuyvesant-born, Duke University and the University of Chicago Law School-educated lawyer, owner of the former Common Grounds café. Ms. Robinson also announced that the State Assembly folds had increased by 9 African-American women, bringing the number to 51 members.

The atmosphere was alive with the spirit of a family reunion, as one politician after the other … Mosley, Jeffries, Walker, Cornegy,
James … came through the door and delivered homilies to the people, and reports of their work. City Councilman Cornegy announced his gift of $100,000 to the Bed- Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps. And so on. VIDA is one of the most powerful political clubs in urban America; and
some of those who made it so, were at that breakfast.

The lively spirit at this first major 2016 Central Brooklyn political event is an indication of the new era to come. (Bernice Elizabeth Green, a co-publisher of Our Time Press, is a member of the VIDA political club)  See Robinson Retirement Creates Room for Democracy Growth

Women in Business Event Empowers Female Entrepreneurs

Editor, Our Time Press
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93

 

By Jamillah Wright

Nearly 100 women entrepreneurs gathered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for the Women in Business New York event held last week. In honor of Women’s History Month, the inspirational evening celebrated six business owners who revealed their secrets to success.

 

Cassandra Tennyson

Founded by Cassandra Tennyson and Koren Benbow-Fung, Women in Business New York is a network that connects,

Koren Benbow Fung

empowers and fuels the growth of women entrepreneurs. As more women decide to venture into entrepreneurship, the organization is committed to offering its support. “We decided to host this event because it’s important to make sure women entrepreneurs are taking the right steps to successfully grow their businesses,” said Benbow-Fung.

 

“I am so proud of these dynamic women,” said Tennyson. “We want to give women business owners the tools, techniques and technical assistance they need.”

 

A panel of women business owners from the New York area shared personal stories on what inspired them to become entrepreneurs. Topics ranged from balancing work and family to learning how to budget effectively. Panelist Charell Star, a business blogger for the website Not Just a Girl In a Dress, discussed the importance of networking. See “Networking Tips for Women Entrepreneurs” for information shared in her presentation.

 

Panelist Courtney Arrington-Baldwin encouraged guests to follow their passion. She had a lucrative career as a civil engineer at Turner Construction before deciding to quit her job. She now runs an image consulting business with her husband called Mr. Baldwin Style, which focuses on groom styling, personal styling and photo shoot production.

 

“I spent a long time in a career I wasn’t passionate about,” said Arrington-Baldwin. With seven years as a construction manager and seven years as a project manager, she now uses her skills to manage the production side of the business. “I’m really passionate about encouraging women to follow their dreams,” said Arrington-Baldwin.

 

Nicole Ponseca, another panelist, is owner of two Filipino restaurants: Maharlika and Jeepney located in the East Village. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she worked in advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi. “I loved advertising and thought I would be the next Donny Deutsch,” said Ponseca. “But I was frustrated that people didn’t know anything about my culture or food.”

 

Armed with a dream of opening a Filipino restaurant, Ponseca started working at restaurants at night, while maintaining her day job, so she could learn the business. Since opening her restaurants in 2011 and 2012, they have been featured in Time Out New York magazine, The New York Times, The Food Network and more. “Instead of branding other people’s brands, I now brand Filipino food,” said Ponseca. “My new dream is to be the Filipino Rachael Ray.”

 

Panelist Arkell Bailey Cox, owner of IHOP franchises in Brooklyn, said women could run businesses just as well as men. “As women, we are multifaceted and can do many things,” said Cox. “I ignore people who tell me I can’t do something. They become my motivation.”

 

Panelist Dr. Shalei Simms, professor of management at SUNY College of Old Westbury, advised guests to focus on their strengths. “Remind yourself what your capabilities are,” said Dr. Simms. “Also, you don’t have to make decisions so fast. Slow down and think things through.”

 

Moderator Melanee Farrah, chair of the Diaspora African Women’s Network, encouraged guests to stay motivated on their path to entrepreneurship. “The challenge is not really taking the first step, but finding the strength to keep moving forward,” said Farrah.

 

The evening left guests inspired. “It’s wonderful to hear these amazing women share their personal journeys,” said Sharufa Walker, a fashion designer and owner of the women’s clothing line Jinaki. “It’s so powerful to be in a room like this.”

For more information about Women in Business New York, visit www.wibny.com.

 

Networking Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

The success of your business depends on your ability to network. “Whether you want to create new business partnerships or escape the loneliness of being a solopreneur, making connections is vital for business growth,” said Charell Star, a panelist at the Women in Business New York event and business blogger for the website Not Just a Girl In a Dress.

 

First, figure out what connections you need to grow your business, then look for events that are relevant. Whether it’s an industry-focused conference or a monthly networking event for small business owners, commit to it by blocking out time on your calendar. Next, use these tips to network the right way.

 

  1. Arrive early. This allows you to meet the event organizer and other early birds.
  2. Meet at least three to five people. The goal is to make quality connections.
  3. Communicate effectively. Ask conversational questions like, “What brought you here tonight?”
  4. Nail your elevator speech. Include what you do and what sets you apart.
  5. Follow-up. Send an e-mail within 72 hours, reference your conversation and invite them for coffee. Be sure to include a few date options.

 

Successful connections will turn into solid relationships if you follow these tips. Remember: The goal of networking isn’t to sell, but to educate, build trust and create relationships.

– Jamillah Wright is Founder & CEO of Write It Up, a full-service writing and communications company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cornegy Awards 100K to Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Editor, Our Time Press
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Rocky Robinson, left, accepts symbolic check from Councilman Robert Cornegy.

Last week Rocky Robinson, Founder of the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps was presented with a $100,000 ceremonial check from Councilman Robert Cornegy.  In a statement, the Councilman said “The Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps is in the streets with us when we need them. When NYPD Officers Liu and Ramos were shot, Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps was first on the scene. When shots rang out near J’ouvert, the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps was there to give Carey Gabay a fighting chance. Commander Rocky Robinson and the team he leads are always there for our community and I’m here for them.

“Rocky, you’ve already heard the news, but today I want everyone to know about the one hundred thousand dollars set aside to support the good work you do every day saving lives and training up young men and young women to follow in your footsteps. You exemplify the spirit of service in this community, I’m proud to support you.”

Liquor License Controversy in CB 8

Akosua Albritton
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By Akosua K. Albritton

 

In the past 15 years, Central Brooklyn has seen significant changes in the demographics of its neighborhoods.  Commercial strips such as Fulton Street, Washington Avenue, Franklin Avenue, Nostrand Avenue and Kingston Avenue have gone from being filled with “bodegas”, produce stands, barber/hair salons, discount stores, pharmacies, fabric stores, take-outs and storefront churches to bars, eat-in restaurants, gourmet delis and boutiques.

 

Bars and lounges offer great returns for the shop owners due to one bottle of wine or bottle of bourbon fills the glasses of several customers.  It’s worth the few thousand dollars to apply for a beer and wine license and later, graduate to a full liquor license.  Then add karaoke or amateur night and you have customers serving as free entertainment.

 

So neighborhoods like Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights and Clinton Hill find themselves facing the same oversaturation of bars on certain streets as found in Williamsburg.  That changing face of the commercial strip can be managed so that a diversity of businesses exists.

 

Change is one thing that people can depend upon.  The question is does one get swept away in the change or do you recognize the shift and, therefore, manage it.

 

Brooklyn Community Board No. 8 (CB 8), which covers Prospect Heights, northern Crown Heights and historic Weeksville, receives so many requests for NYS Liquor Authority (SLA) license recommendations that the SLA and Sidewalk Café Review Committee (SLAC) was established in 2009, distinct from the Economic Development Committee.  The Committee Chair James Ellis contends while bars and lounges can’t be prohibited from being opened, certain conditions can be required to get approval from CB 8.

 

There are the 200-Foot Rule and 500-Foot Rule that should be enforced.  The 200-Foot Rule involves ensuring an establishment serving alcohol is at least 200 feet away from buildings exclusively used as schools or houses of worship that are on the same street or avenue.  The 500-Foot Rule curtails oversaturation in that there are restrictions on the approval of certain on-premises liquor licenses if the location is within a 500-foot radius of certain other establishments with on-premises liquor licenses.  There are exceptions to this rule. For those details, the reader is directed to sections 64, 64-a, 64-c and 64-d of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.

 

The community board ought to request a report of misdemeanors and felonies for the address and bar owner from the local police precinct.  For example, not adhering to occupancy limits or sufficient security-to-customer ratios creates an unsafe environment.

 

These commercial corridors are surrounded by residences.  The owners and managers must be mindful of the needs of households.  Mr. Ellis has gotten SLA license seekers to agree to close by 2:00 AM as opposed to 4:00 AM, institute sound-proofing measures, particularly where the bar or restaurant has a backyard.  Further, hiring from within the community is stipulated.

 

One nuisance that neighborhood people complain about is the vomit found on the sidewalks.  Therefore, sanitizing the sidewalks in front of the bars, lounges or restaurants of such waste within a specified time period may be another stipulation for approval from the community board.

 

CB 8 District Manager Michelle George and her staff of Julia Neale, Community Associate and Melanie Grant, Community Assistant, are the first to handle these requests.  Ms. George explained, “The number of [SLA] applications received each month can vary.  Some months there can be as many as five or more new applications and ten renewals and other months [just] one new application and one or two renewals”.

 

Creating a welcoming environment for the bar/lounge sector while maintaining a comfortable neighborhood environment is an essential concern for an urban planner or neighborhood association.  “We do have concerns over the impact of establishments that serve liquor and have sidewalk cafes and backyard spaces.  That is why we try to set limits on the number of seats allowed and also restrict the hours of operation for the cafés and backyard spaces.  We seek a happy medium between keeping our residents protected from noise and our businesses capable of being successful,” opines Ms. George.

 

There are cases where members of community boards do not like the style or cuisine of a business seeking a SLA license.  Those preferences should not be considered in the committee or full board voting.  It is a matter of taste that the business will either experience financial success or ruin.  Rather than scoff at a legal business model, put skin in the game by opening a night spot that offers “just the right cuisine and ambiance” that have customers filling seats.

 

Monitoring after the evaluation process and enforcing the stipulations are required after a SLA license is approved.  The stipulations’ efficacy is determined by the effort of the volunteer committee members, the paid community district office staff and concerned residents who are willing to call the district office about odious occurrences.

 

Our Time at Home: My Journey with Artist … Richmond Barthe

Bernice Elizabeth Green
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92

 

By Fern E. Gillespie

Art historian Dr. Margaret Rose Vendryes, Fern Gillespie, Tammi Lawson assistant curator, Schomburg

On Wednesday, April 7, my statue, Black Boy (“Head of Boy”) by famed Harlem Renaissance artist Richmond Barthe (1901-1989), will be part of the African American Fine Art auction at Swann Galleries in Manhattan. This will be the end of my journey with Mr. Barthe, filled with culture and coincidence, that began in 1999, when I purchased the statue on eBay for $350 while looking for vintage collectibles about Black children. I had a hunch it was authentic.

 

At that time, I was writing a major piece on Harlem Renaissance artist and scholar Lois Mailou Jones for Howard University Magazine and had piles of Black art books on my computer. A few years earlier, I had worked with Ms. Jones as the PR director/consultant for Studio Museum in Harlem under Kinshasha Holman Conwill, now deputy director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

 

My sojourn to authenticate the statue led me to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which holds the largest collection of Barthe’s work on the East Coast and Dr. Margaret Rose Vendryes. By coincidence, Dr. Vendryes was the Schomburg’s scholar-in-residence and was researching her Princeton doctorate thesis on Barthe, which evolved into her landmark book Casting Feral Benga: A Biography of Richmond Barthé’s Signature Work.

 

After she authenticated the statue, I put Mr. Barthe in my cabinet and continued my hobby collecting historical artifacts on Black children. That’s when I discovered a chalkware statue of Augusta Savage’s famous Gamin on eBay. Ms. Savage headed the WPA’s art project in Harlem and Gamin was one of the most renowned works of the Harlem Renaissance and copies were extremely rare.  It was 2000 and the seller had misspelled Savage’s name and I won the statue for $60.

Barthe & Savage

 

My collection now included two museum piece works by Harlem Renaissance artists. I was oddly treading into Oprah Winfrey collecting territory—the sport of millionaires.  A friend Valerie Mercer, who was curator at Studio Museum in Harlem and now curator of African American art and head of the General Motors Center for African American Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), kept telling me to talk with art appraiser Michael Chisholm. I procrastinated until one night I was standing next to newsman Ed Bradley looking at a Gamin’. My mother kept saying, “We have Chisholms in our family.” She was right. Michael turned out to be my cousin. He had grown up with my mother and his grandmother was my great-great aunt! By 2003, my mother began a hospitalization that would shorten her life. I needed money. Art dealer June Kelly represented selling my Augusta Savage and called me one year to the day that my mother went into the hospital with a sale that paid for house repairs—plumbing and a new roof!

 

Now, my odyssey with art from the Harlem Renaissance is closing. My Richmond Barthe statue is being sold at Swann right before Lois Mailou Jones’ Portrait of Richard B. Harrison (De Lawd). I know it’s culture, but it’s beyond coincidence.

 

(Editor’s Note to Readers: This article launches a series of special recurring features on Collectors & Collections to appear as part of Ms. Green’s Our Time AT HOME column.  A reprint of Ms. Gillespie’s original story on collecting artifacts and memorabilia, which appeared in the Spring 2008 edition of the occasional Our Time AT HOME newspaper, will be featured next week in this column. – Bernice Green)

 

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