Bridge Street Development Corporation Gala Celebrates Legacy and Renewal

On the evening of September 18, 2025, the Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC) gathered at Industry City in Brooklyn, NY for a gala honoring the organization’s three decades of service in Bedford–Stuyvesant and Central Brooklyn.

From developing youth workforce initiatives to affordable housing and small business support, the Development Corporation has long stood as a pillar at the center of community transformation and a model for community building.

Board Chair Edward Odom, Jr. delivered the opening remarks reflecting on Bridge Street Development Corporation’s legacy, and he graciously welcomed a host of partners, staff, community leaders and supporters. That was followed by remarks from Gregory Anderson, President & CEO, who reflected on the organization’s roots and its ongoing commitment to empowering people through sustained community investment.

The honorees included history-makers Colvin Grannum, founding President & CEO of Bridge Street Development Corporation; Suzette Bather-Taylor of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey; Bridge Street AME Church; and Dr. Robert Williams, Church Trustee and a founding Board member of the Bridge Street Development Corporation.

Each honoree praised BSDC for its great works and their own personal joy in being part of the organization’s great history and ongoing work which includes:
Empowering 1,300+ young adults annually through workforce and civic programs.
Assisting 500+ seniors and families with housing and community services.
Developing 600+ units of affordable rental housing and renovating 80+ homes for homeownership.
Supporting over 300 small businesses with technical assistance and financial empowerment.
Hosting 100+ community events each year, strengthening neighborhood engagement and civic vitality.

Gala attendees were treated to two incredibly moving videos featuring Henry Butler and Mellanee Harvin—Bed Stuy residents whose homes were purchased through Bridge Street Development Corporation. In a beautiful full circle moment, Mellanee’s own company, The Fork Goes on the Left, provided the evening’s cuisine. Every dish was savored, applauded, and talked about long after the closing remarks—proof of the community rooted spirit that made the night so special.

Honoree Grannum, introduced first, reminded guests of the Corporation’s early beginnings as an organization that grew from seeds planted by the community itself, that still nourish Bedford-Stuyvesant and Central Brooklyn. He said, “Bridge Street Development Corporation was born out of the need to bring sustainability, increased capacity and funding, to the many-externally focused ministries, programs and initiatives of the Bridge Street Church.”

Ms. Bather-Taylor, recognized nationally, is known for her dynamic leadership in advancing MWBE participation in the aviation industry and uplifting Brooklyn-based businesses. She said, “Living in Bedford-Stuyvesant puts the core work of Bridge Street right in full view: helping neighbors build businesses and keeping families rooted in their homes. At the Port Authority, I have had the chance to open doors for diverse firms—but real change happens in communities like this, where equity and opportunity must go hand in hand.”

The gala also honored the historic Bridge Street AME Church, whose leadership includes Pastor David Cousin and Executive Minister Valerie Cousin, both Board members of Bridge Street Development Corporation.

Mr. Anderson said, “The same church that once sheltered freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad and welcomed Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to its pulpit, inspired the creation of an organization in Bedford‑Stuyvesant, committed to justice, equity, and opportunity. Our founders saw what was possible when faith meets action — when neighbors come together to address the urgent needs of their community.”

Special recognition was given to Dr. Robert Williams, a Trustee of the church and founding board member of the Development Corporation, acknowledging his enduring commitment to the congregation and the community. Dr. Williams said “I congratulate Bridge Street Development Corporation for 30 years of empowering services designed to improve the quality of life for Central Brooklyn residents.

I would like to acknowledge our history: the vision of Rev. Dr Fred A. Lucas for bringing church values – our faith, social justice and community connection to the broader community; the spiritual leadership of Colvin Grannum who relentlessly pursued mission and purpose; and the dedicated founding members who provided organizational and financial support.”

The evening’s tone was elevated by MC Dr. Malik Yoba, whose energy and charisma added warmth and celebration to the program. Guests mingled over cocktails and conversations, reflecting across three decades of impact in “Building on Community Strength.”

The theme of roots, resilience, and community empowerment—was woven throughout the evening. Two major sponsors of the gala, Citi and LISC NYC, were among the first financial institutions to support the Development Corporation in its early days. Colvin Grannum was introduced by Shimonah Israel, Vice President of Citi Community Investing and Development, who spoke to the decades-long partnership between Citi and the organization.

Citi Senior Vice President Barlow Flores was also in attendance, along with several Citi colleagues. LISC NYC, represented by Lashay S. Young, Senior Director of External Affairs and Administration, was acknowledged as a key early investor whose support has helped power both affordable housing and small business development in Black and Brown communities.

A unique and crowd-pleasing feature of the evening was a raffle featuring over $1,000 in gift cards donated by small businesses from Bedford-Stuyvesant and Central Brooklyn—underscoring Bridge Street’s close connection to local merchants.

The Development Corporation formally recognized more than 65 sponsors, partners, and supporters at the gala, capping off a celebration that was both forward-looking and deeply rooted in the values that launched the organization 30 years ago.

Funds raised at the gala will fuel the Development Corporation’s next chapter—expanding affordable housing, deepening older‑adult services, scaling youth workforce programming and advancing minority‑owned business growth across Central Brooklyn and beyond.

The message was clear: three decades in, Bridge Street Development Corporation remains grounded in place, purpose and possibility—and prepared for what comes next.