There’s something magical about a neighborhood coming together for an annual shared celebration. On Saturday July 26, 2025, Quincy Street in Brooklyn transformed into a lively hub of music, laughter, and connection as an exciting block party took over the stretch between Marcy and Nostrand Avenues. Since 1953, this annual event has been bringing together neighbors, friends, and visitors to celebrate the beauty of community.

It’s a time when people come together to revel in the joy of shared spaces, diverse cultures, and spirited entertainment that reflects the heart of the neighborhood. Whether it’s the lively music, the aroma of delicious food, or the laughter of children playing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The block motto, “We love our community,” was evident in the smiles, conversations, and overall joy that radiated from neighbors and attendees alike, showcasing the strong bonds that make this event so special year after year.

Barbara Biggs-Glover, president of the 300 Quincy Block Association, and Treasurer Yelma Brown shared about the legacy of Curtis Felton, who served as the Block Association president for five decades before his passing. They explained that a name plaque was placed at the front of his home to honor the foundation he built for future generations.

Biggs-Glover shared that block parties are an African American tradition in NYC and she is so proud to keep the legacy going. “It is an opportunity for the residents to get to know each other and when you do the block party, you get a permit to shut down the street and allow the children to play freely in the street,” she said.

The festivities offered everything one could ask for in a perfect summer gathering—mouthwatering food, upbeat music, fun games for all ages, and an undeniable sense of community. It was a perfect reminder of how joy can bring people together in the simplest and most unexpected ways. What made the event truly special was the strong sense of community that permeated every moment.

Biggs-Glover explained that she and other members of the block associated are vested in the block. She stated, “The future of Bed-Stuy is promising. The neighborhood is undergoing changes but as new neighbors come in, we embrace them. We are a community.”

The Quincy Street block party was a vibrant celebration of Brooklyn’s incredible community spirit. The event brought together people from the block to share in the unique culture and energy that makes the neighborhood so special. More importantly, it reminded all attendees of the power of connection, the value of supporting one another, and the joy that comes from being part of a close-knit, thriving neighborhood.

Chauncey Street’s First Block Party Brings Residents Together

On July 19, 2025 Chauncey Street neighbors came together for their first official block party, bringing residents between Lewis Avenue and Stuyvesant Avenue out for a day of fun and camaraderie. Although the event was modest, it carried immense meaning for the Chauncey Street Block Association as they saw their goal of hosting a block party for the community become a reality. It was more than just a celebration—it was a day to strengthen bonds, create new memories, and set the foundation for more gatherings in the future.

A Stronger Sense of Community
Block Association president Sonia Mack shared, “It is so important to know your neighbors beyond seeing each other when parking cars on the block. This is a community, and it is vital that everyone has a say in what happens on the block.”

Block association Treasurer Ken and Recording Secretary Eileen Bruckner agreed, mentioning they plan to host more events like garage sales, farmers markets and meet & greets to encourage more positive interactions and support within the community.

“It is [also] important to know who your neighbors are so you can help and support each other,” said Mack. “Today is the first time we are meeting some of the residents on the block, and it’s been so wonderful!”

Mack explained, “We have gotten together to do other activities like entering the Brooklyn’s Cleanest Block contest, which brings residents together to do something fun that will also enhance the block, ensuring we all have a part in keeping the block clean and beautiful.”

Fun, Games and More!
Block residents barbecued and made special treats, enjoyed music, and conversed. The children spent the day drawing on the street with bright chalk, playing in a mini ball pit, enjoying cornhole, bubbles, and splashing in water from the hydrants. The Block Association worked with the fire department to get permission to safely open the hydrants—a service NYC residents might not realize is available.

During street closures, the FDNY can open hydrants properly to ensure the water flows safely without straining the system. The kids filled an inflatable pool and had a blast cooling off in the summer heat!!

But the block party wasn’t just an afternoon of fun; it was an opportunity to make new connections, strengthen existing relationships, and build a stronger sense of community. By hosting events like this, the neighborhood is building a network of support and resources that can benefit everyone living in the area.

The block association and residents were filled with joy after hosting their successful first block party, which brought neighbors together for a day of fun, food, and laughter. Families mingled, children played games, and everyone enjoyed the sense of community that the event created!

200 Greene Ave Block Party: A Rockin’ Good Time

On July 26, 2025 the 200 Block of Green Ave between Bedford and Franklin was alive with pure excitement and joy! The large crowd made it clear that this block rocks! There were several bouncy houses, board and chess games, Jumbo Jenga, and much more!

Families and friends gathered from all around, their laughter and chatter blending into a lively symphony that filled the air. Food stalls lined the street, offering delectable treats ranging from sizzling hot dogs to sweet, fluffy cotton candy.

Cherri, the Greene Ave Block Association president, shared that she has been on the block for 28 years and has been involved with the block party for 14 years, taking over from the previous president Dee Harris. “We look forward to doing this every year. This is a tradition.

The whole block contributes, and I organize all the activities,” she stated, “earlier we had ponies and horses, cartoon characters, and we always have the best bounce houses for the children.” She also shared with us the purpose of the event, “to build community, it is important that we know each other. When we have meetings, I encourage all the block residents to get to know each other; we are a community.”

Cherri also discussed her thoughts on Bed-Stuy and its future: “I am glad I invested in Bed-Stuy. It’s a great community, I have seen the changes, and I am hopeful that it will get even better.”

Children raced around with painted faces, their imaginations running wild as they transformed into superheroes and magical creatures. Local musicians strummed guitars and tapped rhythms on drums, drawing people in with their infectious melodies. Neighbors exchanged laughs and caught up on each other’s lives, strengthening the bonds of community.

This lively block party was not just an event; it was a celebration of true community togetherness, a reminder of the simple joys that come from shared moments and collective joy. With the promise of more gatherings in the years to come, the residents of Greene Ave bid each other farewell, their hearts full and spirits high, knowing they were part of something truly special.

500 Greene Avenue Block Party: A Legacy Continues

By Pojanee Fleury
On July 26, 2025 the 500 Greene Avenue Block Party between Nostrand and Marcy Avenues transformed the street into a festive playground filled with music, food, a gaming truck, and so much more. It was clear that this block was a close-knit community of families, friends, and neighbors. The joy on the faces of everyone in the large crowd spoke volumes; this block was a hub of positive energy.

We spoke with the Block Association president who is also the block’s official Music Director and lead organizer of the block party known as DJ Red Boy. “I’ve worked in the community for well over 35 years,” he shared, “my mom was the Block Association president when I was growing up, and since I was in my teens, I was organizing the music for the block parties and eventually started DJing myself and have been ever since.”

It was clear that this legacy was here for the long haul as the block party had all the exciting trimmings, held annually for over 20 years with no signs of wavering. “With all of the negativity, we need more of this,” Red Boy declared.

No block party is complete without delicious food, and Greene Avenue didn’t disappoint. The street was lined with an incredible variety of grills and food stands, serving up dishes that celebrated Brooklyn’s rich cultural diversity. From smoky barbecue favorites to vibrant international cuisines like tacos, jerk chicken, and falafel, there was something to satisfy every palate.

The smell of sizzling food mingled with the sounds of lively music and laughter, creating the perfect festive vibe.

This family-friendly event truly had something for everyone. Kids were thrilled with the giant bounce house, where they jumped for hours, and the gaming truck, which was packed with excited young gamers challenging their friends.

Sidewalk games and chalk art stations kept little ones entertained, while adults enjoyed live music performances and mingling with neighbors. It was more than just a party—it was a joyful celebration of community and togetherness.

DJ Red Boy, also shared that although the community has changed in recent years, he and others have remained grounded. “I’m a part of the community board as well so I make sure our voices are heard.” A true leader, Red Boy’s work will surely impact the future of Bed-Stuy, as a native voice that has been instrumental in its positive development.

Annual events like the Block Party are more than just lively gatherings—it’s a reminder of what makes building community special. Neighbors come together, strangers become friends, and children grow up playing together.

It’s a day of shared stories, joyous connections, and a celebration of the vibrant energy that makes blocks like Greene Ave an undeniable treasure.