Holidays

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS HOLIDAYS HCCI and Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy Give Gifts to Hundreds of Children in Parnership with Walmart

On Wednesday, December 9th, hundreds of children and adults descended on Jackie Robinson Park to attend “Toytopia: HCCI’s 5th Annual Toy Giveaway!” and the park’s “23rd Annual Lights of Hope Treelighting Ceremony”. In observance of COVID-19 precautions, the festivities were held outdoors, no one sat on Santa’s knee -- instead, children met a walking waving Santa, quickly selected their toys and left enjoying their new gifts. Once again, community unity made this annual event a huge success!

Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) co-presented its Toytopia! with the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy (JRPC), as part of the 23nd Annual Lights

Photos by Nadezda Tavodova Tezgor

of Hope Tree Lighting Ceremony. Walmart supported HCCI, with a generous donation of more than $3000 in gifts!

“This is an especially difficult year for us all, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Malcolm A. Punter, President & CEO of HCCI. “So, it was more important than ever, that we take a moment to spread holiday cheer within our community. We are extremely grateful for our continued partnerships with Walmart and the Jackie Robinson Park Conservancy, which HCCI founded more than two decades ago, that made today a possibility.”

“For 23 consecutive years, we have partnered with HCCI to spark lights of hope in Harlem,” said Sonya Simmons, Chairperson of the JRPC. “And in the midst of the pandemic, we were even more committed to continue this tradition. Plus, seeing all of the joyful children was truly wonderful!”

Santa Claus was graciously played by the Simmons’ husband Tobius Simmons. HCCI’s volunteer/Community Liaison Carolyn Paul enlisted neighborhood supporters including: Super Foodtown, Starbucks (145th St.), Duncan Donuts (145th St./ Edgecombe Ave.), Duncan Pharmacy, TJ Abrial Systems/Wholesale Dollar Suppliers and Beauty Merchandise), A & J Grocery Store, Taste of Seafood, Fine Fare (145th St), 99-cent Store, Neighborhood Dollar Store and a group of dedicated volunteers who braved the cold to make Harlem’s children smile.

Celebrating 34 years of service, HCCI is an interfaith consortium of congregations committed to the comprehensive redevelopment of the Harlem community. Since 1986, HCCI has been committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem by providing economic development opportunities and empowerment of Harlem residents to rebuild their community. To learn more about HCCI programs please visit www.hcci.org.

HARLEM COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Bed Stuy Hosts Social Distance Fashion Show Showcasing Local Black Designers

Tis the season to be stylish and what better way to deck the halls than a social distanced fashion extravaganza. Just in time for the holiday The Bed Stuy Winter Bazaar in partnership with BedStuy Gateway BID joined forces to sprinkle a little black girl magic and black boy joy with an outdoor winter fashion show showcasing homegrown talent. Produced by Marlon Rice, for Good People NYC, the fashion-forward, safe experience featured the latest fashionable looks from Brooklyn’s own HipHopCloset.com, along with exciting looks, accessories, and trending items from a variety of local Brooklyn designers, creatives, and talent.

“HipHopCloset.com is a website born out of the need for people to express who they are by using personal style and fashion,” says Kyeisha Kelly, its Co-Owner. “At its core Hip Hop is all about expression and our mission is to provide indi-

Moore Moshood

viduals with the tools they need to live bold.” Just in time for the winter, HipHopCloset, showcased a variety of stylish leather shearling. Models included Brooklyn Community Advocate Tahirah Moore; New York State Elected Assemblywoman Stefani Zimmerman; and others.

Other participating designers included Brooklyn’s own Moshood Creations and JahnKoy, an African-Russian street fashion brand formed in 2020 by Marusya Kazakova and Burkindy. According

ZIMERMAN HIPHOPCLOSET

to JAHNKOY’s website, the brand is focused on the restoration of artisanal craftsmanship and the revival of the global cultural heritage in the contemporary landscape.

Closing off the list was SheShe Prints by Sharon Smith. The trending handcrafted brand mixes denim, t-shirts, and creative prints providing an authentic, personal, flair. ELLEMG by Latasha Green, and Courageously Curvy. Owned by change agent Donna Perry, Courageously Curvy is a “Lifestyle brand dedicated to uplift and empower plus size/curvy women through health & wellness, education, fashion & style. Our goal is to help plus women and girls walk fully into their divine purpose and destiny through workshops, our online community, and from or weekly blogs, and high-quality tees, dresses, apparel, and accessories.”

“For small businesses, designers, and creatives in the retail space, the holiday season is an important season for their bottom line,” says Marlon Rice, Bed Stuy Winter Bazaar producer. “This fashion show not only tapped into the raw talent; it showcased the resources that are available right here in our community.”

Bed Stuy Gateway BID’s Winter Wonderland and The Bed Stuy Winter Bazaar, are part of Bed Stuy Gateway BID and Restoration Plaza Shop Local Campaign encouraging holiday shopping locally throughout its Fulton corridors, and its outdoor popup bazaar and village. “The pandemic has presented many challenges and obstacles for our local merchants,” said Bed-Stuy Gateway BID’s Interim Executive Lynette Battle. “These outdoor experiences provide an opportunity for them to present their creative designs in a safe, festive environment.”

Centrally located in Brooklyn, The Bed-Stuy Gateway BID has proudly stood as one of the borough’s most prominent commercial and cultural focal points. Since 2009, the agency has partnered with local neighbors, and stakeholders to enrich

HIPHOP CLOSET MODELS

JAHNKOY DESIGN TEAM

its community through economic development while promoting its rich history of cultural diversity. Through a wide array of programs and services, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID is committed to seeing the community thrive and blossom into the popular destination for all things Brooklyn.

MACON STREET BLOCK ASSOCIATION HONORS ESSENTIAL WORKERS WITH LOVE

(l to R) Pauline Barfield, Recording Secretary, Michele Lofton, Vice President, Pam Guigli, President, Eugene Samuels (C) Honoree, Vickie Ramsey (Honoree’s Mother), and Hannah Stringer, Corresponding Secretary.

The Macon Street Block Association (Between Patchen & Ralph Avenue) turned out to Honor their own - 21 Essential workers from the Block. They were recognized for their dedication and com-

(L to R) Pauline Barfield, Recording Secretary, Honoree Sydney Baker & son Breland, and Pam Guigli, Block Association President.

mitment in providing essential services to New York City residents. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Block Association Executive Committee teamed up in twos and visited with the honorees and presented

Pam Guigli, President of Macon Street Block Association, Honoree Patsy Russell

each person with a plaque and a bottle of sparkling cider. Listed are the names of the Essential Workers on Macon Street that were honored:

Dave Peters, Roger Burnett, David Alexander, Peter Walter, Tameeka Smalls and Keith Smalls, Wayne Forde, Eugene Samuels, Sydney Baker, Sandra Bourjolly, Teresa Smith, M.D., Joan Green, Mitchell Anderson, Maria Castillo, Patsy Russell & Racquel Russell, Rosamond Defreitas, LaShandra Brewer Hopkins, Timothy Thomas, Lessie White, and Timothy Cox.