BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A celebration of Bed-Stuy’s history and heritage returns to Fulton Street for its 11th year with a daylong festival and a week filled with community events.
Bed-Stuy Alive! kicks off on Oct. 10 with an award ceremony honoring community members, local police officers and firefighters.
Residents will be recognized for their contributions to the neighborhood, ranging from distinctions in arts and culture to economic development and education.
The NYPD's community affairs officers Det. William Jenkins and Officer Shurod Brown from Bed-Stuy’s 81st and 79th precincts will also receive the Tohma Y. Faulkner Awards for their service, according to organizers.
The awards are given out in memory of community leader Tohma Y. Faulkner, who co-founded the festival and worked with several neighborhood civic groups.
“Tohma had a vision that we needed to recognize the businesses and people in the community for what they offer,” Stephanie Faulkner, chair of Bed-Stuy Alive!, said of her late sister.
“Bed-Stuy Alive! is about the continuation of a culture and the people who live here. We’re trying to keep our community preserved for our children, and we can all come and work together.”
Following the opening award ceremony from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Fulton Street transforms into a bazaar from Brooklyn to New York avenues with merchants, tastings from local chefs and restaurants and health resources from area medical centers.
The event provides residents the opportunity to see what local services are available and meet those working to make a difference in the area, Faulkner said.
For kids, a Children’s Village will open on Marcy Plaza with a rock-climbing wall, story time, and arts and crafts, according to organizers.
For the first time, Bed-Stuy Alive! will offer Zumba classes for seniors at Restoration Plaza as part of the “Senior Morning” programming.
“It’s a party with a purpose, a grand celebration,” said Bed-Stuy Alive! vice-chair Brenda Fryson.
Visitors can also check out RestorationRocks!, a free outdoor music festival from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring rapper Rakim as the headliner. The lineup also includes finalists from “The Voice” and “American Idol.”
“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for a cross-section of people in Bedford-Stuyvesant, new as well as old,” Faulkner said.
For a full schedule of Bed-Stuy Alive! events, visit the website here.
